Ronaldo, according to Neymar, provides a new face to Saudi football.
“I believe Ronaldo started it all. People say he’s extravagant, today you see the league growing bigger and bigger,” Neymar said after signing with Al Hilal. The Brazilian star is the latest name to leave Europe and move to Saudi Arabia to play.
Neymar believes Ronaldo has played a significant role in the recent wave of player moves from Europe to Saudi Arabia. After departing Manchester United at the conclusion of 2022, the Portuguese superstar joined Al Nassr. Following Ronaldo, top European players like as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez… chose to play in the Middle East.
” Cristiano comes in and creates traction. I know it will. I paved the way to Saudi Arabia and now all the other players are coming here, ” Ronaldo said in an interview last month.
” It’s exciting to meet top-quality players in other teams. It excites me and motivates me to try harder. When you face Ronaldo, Benzema, Firmino, that excitement. even bigger,” said Neymar.
Al Hilal signs Neymar to a two-year contract.This team spent 90 million euros in transfer fees and offered up to 160 million euros in compensation over two years to persuade Neymar. According to Brazilian media, Neymar initially refused to play in Saudi Arabia, but no team in Europe could meet the star’s price demands.He can only move to Al Hilal if he leaves PSG.
“The Saudi Pro League (Saudi Arabia league) has tremendous quality and resources at the moment. I have heard and followed the long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia. Because So, I believe this is where I want to go.
Al Hilal is a huge club with great fans. It’s the best club in Asia. This makes me feel like I made the right decision. I like to win and score goals. I will continue to do it here,” Neymar expressed ambition when joining Al Hilal.