Sako rejected “crazy money” to move to Palace

Bakary Sako has revealed that he rejected “crazy money” from rich clubs in Qatar and Dubai in order to move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

He was reluctantly released by Wolves in the summer, having rejected the attempts of the Midland’s club to at get him signed to a new deal, and joined Alan Pardew’s side last month on a free transfer.

The move has paid dividends for both Palace and Sako as he has scored twice in just five games from the wide position.

Crystal Palace spent handsomely this summer, bringing in ‘marque signings’ such as Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham from PSG and Sunderland respectively. However, it has been Sako that has shone as one of their best additions this summer.

The Express are reporting that Sako has revealed one of the secrets of Palace’s success this season. It is that Alan Pardew has a commitment to playing attacking football, which, when you have the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon, Yannick Bolasie and Sako, works well.

We defend together, but when we have the ball the manager wants us to take people on, shoot and cross the ball. There are no restrictions. With this squad we don’t fear anybody.

Sako then revealed that he could have gone to the Middle East and given up on Premier League for big money, however, thankfully for Palace he chose to join them, stating that financial gain is not his main motive.

I could have gone to Qatar or Dubai for crazy money, but I actually came here for less because I wanted to play in the Premier League. At my age I am not playing for money. This is an attractive team that plays football that suits me. This club gave me my chance and I want to do well for them.