Robinson hails 'incredible' Alderweireld move from Tottenham and why it's far more 'special' than people think
Paul Robinson is "surprised" Toby Alderweireld's decision to swap Tottenham for Qatari side Al-Duhail in a footballing sense.
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one claimed the opportunity to play in Qatar, in a year where the country will host the World Cup, will be special.
On Tuesday, Spurs confirmed an agreement had been reached with Al-Duhail for the transfer of Toby Alderweireld, with the fee believed to be around the £13million mark.
The Belgium international, who had two years remaining on his contract in north London, informed the club of his intentions to leave earlier in the window.
Robinson, who recently spent a month in Qatar covering the European Championships for beINSPORTS, gave the country a glowing reference.
"I was working there throughout the Euros and the infrastructure that has been built is incredible so I understand Alderweireld's move," he told Football Insider.
"The stadiums, the training grounds and the football setup is top class. All of the stadiums there are connected by an electric rail and are purpose built for football. There's no running tracks around them.
" If you had a chance to go there at a stage of your career, you would.
"The football isn't great there, yes. But to have the opportunity to play there in a World Cup year will be special. I understand why he is making the move because it is a very exciting time to be over there."