Brazilian striker Neymar, who is eager to take on Cristiano Ronaldo when he joins Al-Hilal, the Portuguese international is to blame for the Saudi Pro League’s transformation.
Neymar credits Ronaldo for Saudi League: After six years with Paris St. Germain, the 31-year-old Neymar on Tuesday agreed to a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club in a deal reportedly for approximately 90 million euros ($98 million).
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, left Manchester United amicably in December and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Nassr.
“I think Cristiano Ronaldo started it all, and everyone called him crazy and this and that,” the player said. The league is expanding steadily right now, Neymar stated in his first interview after the transfer on Wednesday.
Since then, the Saudi Pro League has made around 600 million euros in an effort to entice a number of elite players and coaches from European clubs.
Jordan Henderson, the captain of Liverpool, the Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, and Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City are notable additions.
“Meeting top-notch players on the other teams is thrilling and inspires you to perform even better, so it’s exciting.
“Neymar added that the anticipation increases when playing against Ronaldo, Benzema, or (Roberto) Firmino,”
Ruben Neves, a former captain of the Wolverhampton Wanderers, Serbia’s Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and Brazilian attacker Malcom were all signed by Al-Hilal. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus was also rehired on a one-year contract.
“I believe that having quality in the squad is really crucial. Naturally, it influences some of the choices you make during your career. Without a doubt, it was for me, Neymar remarked.
“I am very eager to start a new chapter, chasing all the goals with the team and the club, winning more and more championships and realising the club’s dream.”
On Saturday, the Saudi Pro League’s next round will feature Al-Hilal hosting Al-Feiha.