Brazilian forward Neymar praised Cristiano Ronaldo for changing the Saudi Pro League and said he was looking forward to playing against the former Manchester United player when he joined Al-Hilal.
Neymar left Paris St. Germain after six seasons and signed a two-year deal with the Riyadh-based team on Tuesday. The contract is thought to be valued over 90 million euros ($98 million). Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo left Manchester United in December and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Nassr.
Neymar spoke to the club reporters on Wednesday ahead of his move to Al-Hilal as he spoke about the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the Saudi Pro League. He said, “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.”
The Brazilian forward spoke about the excitement to play against the top players of the league. He said, “It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better. And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, (Roberto) Firmino, that the excitement is even greater.”
“I am very excited to write a new story” : Neymar
After that time, the Saudi Pro League spent more than 600 million euros to recruiting a large number of elite coaches and players from European clubs. Among the prominent signings are Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City, Jordan Henderson of Liverpool, and Ballon d’Or triumphant Karim Benzema of Real Madrid.
Ruben Neves, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Malcom, all former Wolverhampton Wanderers captains, were added to Al-Hilal’s roster along with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who was reappointed on a one-year deal.
The attacking player discussed the plan of action and why he chose to move to Saudi Pro League. He said, “I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout your career. It was certainly for me. I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my team mates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club’s ambition.”
Fans react to Neymar’s comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact in Saudi Pro League:
Neymar gave credit to Cristiano Ronaldo for the massive growth in the Saudi Pro League ?
(via @Alhilal_FC) pic.twitter.com/kLS6lC3RBv
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 16, 2023
messi fans told me ronaldo had no influence in this movement
— thomassist (@thomassist25_) August 16, 2023
Give credit to whom credit is due! Ronaldo Started it and today almost all the top stars are in Saudi.
— Femi Ogunyiola (@donlafemo) August 16, 2023
everyone knows the truth deep down but they’ll lie to themselves that it’s money like saudi didn’t have money before ?
— indispensable David (@davidchibuike_) August 16, 2023
Neymar knows very well that CR7 is the real goat ?
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) August 16, 2023
Neymar knows Cristiano Ronaldo is the Goat ? pic.twitter.com/4z2gbWK51b
— L Y D O N ? (@Shayor19) August 16, 2023
Neymar is just as finished as Cristiano Ronaldo. Maybe even more than Ronaldo. And that will be an all time low.
— X.MaOnhiawoda (@MaOnhiawoda) August 16, 2023
Cr7 was his goat before he went to Barcelona
— Ashaarihiy (@SherifUsman7) August 16, 2023
Neymar was forced to say this?
— jay (@JaycifiedV1) August 16, 2023
