«It was an offer that would have made me financially independent. But I don't have the morals or values to represent that country. It would be a nightmare».

850 thousand euros were not enough to convince Saeter to leave Rosenborg, the team from Trondheim, the player's hometown, to move to Israel:

«Even if they offered me 500 million, I still wouldn't join an Israeli club», he says with a serious but calm expression from under his cap.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza, now extended to the West Bank, has been heavily criticized in Norway. In May 2024, the Scandinavian country, along with Ireland and Spain, recognized the State of Palestine; in response, Israel revoked the diplomatic status of eight Norwegian representatives.

«The people there (in Gaza, ed) live in fear in their homes and no money can buy my values»...

https://www.ilmessaggero.it/en/norwegian_footballer_ole_saeter_rejects_maccabi_haifa_offer_due_to_ethical_concerns-8368312.html