Neymar Credits Cristiano Ronaldo for the Growing Popularity of Saudi Pro League
Key Highlights :
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has been making headlines in recent years, with some of the world's biggest names making the switch from Europe's top five leagues to the SPL. Among them is Neymar, who recently signed a two-year deal with Al Hilal after ending his six-season spell in France.
The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker is now the second-highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League behind Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Neymar has now made a bold claim about the Portuguese superstar's impact in the Middle East, insisting that Ronaldo paved the way for many of the footballers who are now plying their trade in the country.
In July, Ronaldo credited himself with the league's increasing popularity, insisting that he was the one who made it possible for the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Karim Benzema to join the SPL. Neymar has now made it clear that he agrees with that view, saying: "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 also pointed out that the presence of top-quality players in the SPL is very important and that it helps in taking some important decisions in one's career. 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, Firmino, that the excitement is even greater. I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout you career. It was certainly for me."
Neymar also expressed his excitement at the prospect of writing a new story with Al Hilal, and of chasing all the objectives with his teammates. He said: "I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my teammates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club's ambition."
It is clear that Neymar is well aware of the impact that Cristiano Ronaldo has had on the Saudi Pro League and is grateful for the opportunity to play in such a prestigious league. With the likes of Neymar, Ronaldo, Mane, Firmino and Benzema playing in the SPL, it is no wonder that the league is becoming increasingly popular.
