. Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema also started up front. Fabinho is already on £700,000-a-week wages, but also received the luxury of an expensive gift for his role in the victory. Yet it wasn't club officials handing him a lavish reward, instead it was a fan who presented him with an unofficial player of the match award. The 29-year-old was leaving the stadium when he was approached and given a new rolex watch. Looking initially embarrassed, Fabinho then smiled with gratitude as the present was duly wrapped around his wrist, saying "thank you very much" and shaking the hand of the supporter. Just seconds later though, there was panic stations. Fabinho managed to let the watch slip off his wrist and drop onto the floor, sharply picking it up to check for subsequent damage. To the relief of the player, and the fan, there were no scratches. And he duly thanked the man again before heading off with his team-mates, firmly holding his new gift. HAVE YOUR SAY! Will you be following the Saudi Pro League this season? Comment below. The footage was soon posted on social media, with Liverpool fans reacting with a mixture of humour and despair. @TheKopWatch posted: "Fabinho was gifted a Rolex by a fan because he played well… A FAN. No, we can't compete with Saudi." @chrisprodromou joked: "Makes me buying Jan Molby a pint look rath){kind=link}
Fabinho started in midfield for Al-Ittihad in their 3-0 win at Al-Raed on Monday in his first Saudi Pro League game since sealing a £40million switch from Liverpool
So it’s not just the Saudi clubs themselves who are throwing riches at ex-Premier League stars.
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has formed part of the exodus to the Middle East this summer, joining reigning champions Al-Ittihad on a £40million deal. And he made a favourable impression on his league debut on Monday, starting in central midfield alongside N’Golo Kante.
He helped his new side to a comfortable 3-0 win, with second half goals from Abderrazak Hamdallah and Igor Coronado (2). Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema also started up front.
Fabinho is already on £700,000-a-week wages, but also received the luxury of an expensive gift for his role in the victory. Yet it wasn’t club officials handing him a lavish reward, instead it was a fan who presented him with an unofficial player of the match award.