Former Celta Vigo coach Carlos Carvalhal has defended his former protégé Gabri Veiga over his move to Al-Ahli.

Carvalhal worked with Veiga last season before he left his job.

He told AS: "This is life. Sometimes money and factors that are not purely football influence, but we cannot criticize Veiga for wanting to resolve his future and that of his family.

"I think he is a midfielder who can be differential. To me he is a little (Jude) Bellingham. The Englishman may have more technical ability but in the characteristics of reaching the rival area, finishing and intensity, they are very similar players."

Of his own future, Carvalhal added: "Fortunately, yes. I have had some proposals from Spain, but it was not the right time and I chose to give up, because I had a problem to solve and I could not leave my city. There was also something from England."