Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila says he joined Red Star Belgrade to prove himself in Europe.

The 25-year-old finalized a season-long loan move to the Serbian giants on Wednesday following a brief holiday in his native country.

Sumaila’s move to Red Star came as a surprise to many who believed he was content with picking up mega bucks in the gulf where he has played for Al Qadsia and Al Gharafa over the past three years.

But his move to Europe – the first in his career – has proved otherwise.

“I had achieved a lot in the gulf but I really wanted to challenge myself,” the former Asante Kotoko defender told FootballMadeInGhana.com.

“A lot of people were beginning to believe that perhaps I can’t have such an impact in Europe and I want to prove them wrong.

“I am happy to get this opportunity and I look forward to making very good use of it.”

Sumaila played was part of the Ghana squad that played at the 2014 World Cup.

He had played for Ebusua Dwarfs and Mamelodi Sundowns before his move to the Gulf back in 2015.