Zach Clough has opened up on why he chose to leave Australia for six-time Malaysian champions Selangor, as reported by The Bolton News.
Clough has left the Australian A-League side Adelaide United.
Not Just Footballing Decisions For Clough
Zach Clough had enjoyed close to three and a half years with Adelaide United since joining from Carlisle United in February 2022.
The 30-year-old was something of a fan favourite after scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists in 93 games for the Reds. Clough’s performances led to him being awarded the club’s most prestigious prize, the Aurelio Vidmar Medal, for his excellent impact on the team.
The decision for Clough to leave was not an easy one but one that was made for reasons spanning more than football.
“It’s been a difficult few days, the decision was not easy. It is a family decision, but also something that is exciting for me to have this challenge at this stage of my career.”
Clough told The Star:
“Coming to Selangor wasn’t just a football decision but a life experience.”
“I’m focused on adapting quickly by working hard, speaking with the players and understanding what the coach wants from me.”
Difficult To Leave Adelaide
Having been discussed in England as an up-and-coming star of the future, Clough’s career on home soil failed to take off.
He moved from Bolton Wanderers to Nottingham Forest for around £2.5 million but was then sent back to Bolton on loan. The midfielder also spent time on loan at Rochdale before a free transfer move to Wigan Athletic and later Carlisle.
Clough had found a home in Adelaide and admits he will miss the club that helped rebuild his career and that he would love to return to the city in the future.
“I am going to miss Coopers, it helped rebuild my whole career to come here. They have helped me with everything – the whole staff, the club and the players.”
“It is something I will remember with the best memories of my career, to be honest. It is going to be really hard to say goodbye this week and hopefully one day I will return and live in Adelaide forever because this is home now and it feels like home.”
Writer’s View
You have to admire players who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and head abroad. Clough made a life for himself in Adelaide and performed admirably for the club after choosing to leave England.
He has now done the same again but this time to a completely different culture and language. The Selangor offer must have been an enticing one to drag Clough from his family home.
