da bwin： USMNT defender Miles Robinson has pointed towards finances in explaining his reason to snub Europe in favour of a move to FC Cincinnati.
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Robinson out of contract at AtlantaBut snubbed Europe for FC CincyHighlights reduced salary in EuropeWHAT HAPPENED?
Out of contract with Atlanta United and in the prime days of his playing career, the expectation was that the centre-back would push for a move to one of Europe's elite clubs. Instead, reigning MLS Supporters Shield winners FC Cincinatti announced his signing on January 3 in a deal thought to be worth more than $1.65 million (£1.29m) per season. Salary was one of the main factors behind the decision, the 26-year-old has revealed.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT ROBINSON SAID ABOUT STAYING IN MLS
The USMNT international told on the move: "I really wanted to make some kind of change on and off the field. Over the course of last season, I talked to a lot of people, just trying to seek advice from any and everyone."
Asked about interest from PSV, Robinson said: "There wasn't anything completely formal. I never spoke to Earnie [Stewart, PSV's sporting director]. I didn't want to get a pay cut going overseas. As I learned, injuries can happen and you could be out for a year-plus. So the finances were definitely something I took into consideration while making this decision."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Runaway Eredivisie leaders PSV had been monitoring Robinson's situation at Atlanta, which would have sealed a reunion with USMNT trio Ricardo Pepi, Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman. But reports that the centre-back would have likely been offered not much over the non-European Union minimum salary of $550,000 (£430,000) per year, which is likely to have dissuaded him.
Getty ImagesWHAT ROBINSON SAID ABOUT THE PREMIER LEAGUE
That said, Robinson hasn't ruled out a move to Europe later in his playing career. He said on joining the likes of Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream and Chris Richards in England's top flight: "I definitely have Premier League aspirations. A one-plus-one [contract] could set me up for the future in terms of my earnings and where I want to go. Betting on myself is definitely something I'm willing to do at this point in my career, especially in a place where I think I can really stand out and help an already-great club take that next step."