Australian defender Rhys Williams is loving life in Saudi Arabia as he impresses for Pro League side Al-Qadsiah and keeps the door ajar for a possible Socceroos return.
The 32-year-old moved to the Middle East in 2018 after a stint with Melbourne Victory and unlike most foreigners has managed to stick around for more than one season.
Despite a global pandemic, Williams has found a second home in Saudi Arabia and has become a key part of Al-Qadsiah's side.
"Do you know what, it's amazing. I don't think many people would agree without being here but my family is so settled here," Williams told The Football Story podcast.
"To be honest, I'd be happy finishing my career here. We absolutely love it here. The club's been great and I also feel like a vital part of the club. I'm second captain, captain when the captain's away.
"It's amazing, not many foreigners can last one year let alone three years in Saudi Arabia, and it's nice to be one of those players.
"It was tough leaving Victory because I loved it...but the chance came up and ultimately I wanted to try something different. I'm glad I did because I love it."
— Aryn Williams (@Aryn_93) November 25, 2020
After one year in the Middle East, Williams made the surprising decision to opt out of the chance to be called up again by the Socceroos in 2019.
Having previously played for Australia 14 times, the decision was sparked by a disappointing rejection but the defender remains open to reversing it should he be needed when international football resumes.
"The turning point for me was the 2018 World Cup. Just came back with Victory, had a great season as the stats can tell you, my performances were good, I felt fit, was playing regularly. I did everything right and not to get picked in the provisional 50 players...it was really tough to take," Williams said.
"At the time it really hurt me. Hurt me a lot. After that, Arnie came in and kept me on the standby list a good few times.
"I thought I was in the right place at the right time after so many years to show what I could do but it wasn't meant to be. It got to a point where all I was looking for was the national team squad and I felt it was affecting me mentally a little bit so I sent Arnie a message to take my name out of the hat.
"Ultimately, I'd never turn my country down. If he calls me or whoever the coach is calls me and said 'Look, we need you, we want to put you back in', I'd happily put my hand back up and go but I just don't think that will happen.
"I wouldn't say retired but more in the background and there's players coming through that they'd like to give a chance before bringing me in and I'm happy with that."