Cape Town - Cape Town City striker Kermit Erasmus has explained his return to South African football, insisting that his lack of game time in Portugal was not due to a lack of effort.
The 28-year-old departed Orlando Pirates for French top-flight side Rennes in 2016 but failed to break into the starting line-up at Roazhon Park. He subsequently joined Lens on loan in 2017, where he made 12 appearances and scored one goal.
And, after being released by Rennes, Erasmus experienced unsuccessful stints at second-tier Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna and Vitoria de Setubal in Portugal's top flight.
In the end, the forward opted to return home where the promise of regular first-team minutes was too good to turn down.
"You know everything happens for a reason and mine was not getting enough game time," Erasmus explained.
"It wasn't based on anything else other than game time, you know. I've worked as hard as I could in Europe and served my time, but it was all down to the coach and things just didn't work out for me in that aspect.
"If it was the other way around I would've still been in Europe. I also got to look at my age and what I want for myself."
While he did make a good living while playing in Europe, Erasmus was quick to point out that money cannot buy happiness.
He added: "No amount of money can make you happy if you're not playing on the field.
"For me that is the most important thing as a footballer. So, for me my advice to youngsters would be that go and try and play. If you don't play, then you fade away and that is the reality of football."