Neymar thinks Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘right’ after what he said about Saudi League’s future
Brazilian superstar Neymar acknowledged that Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in revamping the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo, a Portuguese striker, joined Riyadh-based Al Nassr in December of last year.
After six seasons at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Neymar is now poised to play in Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian international joined Al Hilal, the reigning Asian champions, for €90 million.
“I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him ‘crazy’, and this and that. Today you see the league grow more and more. It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better,” Neymar said in an interview.
Neymar’s relationship with PSG had reportedly deteriorated in recent months. PSG fans were upset by the Brazilian’s failure to win the Champions League.
According to rumours, Neymar had a falling out with PSG colleague Kylian Mbappe. All of these bizarre situations are thought to have led to Neymar’s departure.
According to ESPN, Neymar’s successful signing for Al Hilal lifts the total number of moves to Saudi Arabia from major European leagues to more than 30 (England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Portugal).
Al Hilal have major names like Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, and Malcom at their disposal, and the addition of Neymar will undoubtedly improve their chances of winning the domestic championship this season.
Neymar stated that the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League will make the league more intriguing.
“And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, Firmino, that the excitement is even greater. So I am happy to join this league, facing them will be wonderful, it will be fantastic. Of course a lot of Brazil will be watching the league. Obviously I will be there and I expect all Brazilians and everybody following the league to support Al Hilal,” the former Barcelona forward said.
Al Hilal has renewed Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus on a one-year contract. During the 2018-19 season, the former Benfica manager managed Al Hilal. Jesus led Al Hilal to a Saudi Super Cup victory over Al Ittihad in his debut game in charge.
Last season, Fenerbahce won the Turkish Cup under Jesus’ leadership. Jesus is now ready to take over for Ramon Diaz at Al Hilal. Last season, the Saudi team finished third in the Saudi domestic league. On Saturday, Al Hilal will meet Al Feiha in the Saudi Pro League’s next round.
