Saad says loneliness was just too much

ADAM Saad says the isolation from his family and faith became too much for him on the Gold Coast.

The rebounding defender has joined Essendon after being traded by the Suns for the Bombers’ 2018 secondround draft pick.

Saad, a practising Muslim, yesterday revealed the challenges he battled in his three years at the Suns, who he thanked unconditionally for supporting him.

“I signed my Gold Coast contract with good intentions but a lot of things changed and I wanted to come home,” Saad told AFL Trade Radio.

“The Suns were unbelievable. They embraced me and they respected me and my culture. I can’t thank them enough but I was isolated up there.”

The 23-year-old, who has a large family that includes over 100 cousins, revealed he struggled throughout Ramadan by himself despite the efforts of both players and staff, including co-captain Steven May and assistant coach Dean Solomon, to support him.

“Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all around the world and it’s a month we really look forward to,” Saad said.

“When we do break fast it’s where we can break fast as a family together, (there is) a lot of food on the table.

“We see each other and keep each other company. For me breaking fast alone and waking up at 4-4.30am in the morning and not seeing anybody, it was very tough for me.

“My decision had nothing to do with the love and respect I have for the Suns, its players, staff and the community that welcomed me, but was solely about my family and faith.”

It is the first deal Gold Coast have completed during the current trade period, which is set to end on Thursday, and enables the club to focus on other targets as well as getting Gary Ablett (Geelong) and Brandon Matera (Fremantle) to their desired clubs.