Neymar complimented Cristiano Ronaldo for kindling the expansion of the Saudi Pro League despite being called “crazy” when he relocated to the Middle East last December. Neymar claimed that he had entered a “very competitive” league by joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Brazilian striker Neymar, 31, left French champions Paris Saint-Germain to sign with Al Hilal, the defending Asian champions, in a $98.6 million (€90 million) deal.
The former Barcelona player, who used to play for a team called Al-Nassr, said that Ronaldo’s choice to join Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United during the World Cup 2022. It was a big reason why he and other great players wanted to come and play in Saudi Arabia. He had been linked with moves to Manchester United, Chelsea and a return to Camp Nou this summer.
Neymar stated, “I think Cristiano Ronaldo began it all, and everyone calling him crazy, and this and that.” “Today, you can see how the league is expanding.
The league will be quite competitive after the deals made during the summer transfer window. Competitivity is vital, in my opinion. I’m joining this league for that reason. Challenges motivate me. I’m there to support the league’s expansion. Writing a fresh story while pursuing all the goals with the team and my teammates-winning more and more championships, and realizing the club’s vision gets me tremendously pumped. In that aspect, I’m really enthusiastic.
Neymar’s rumored $100 million (€91.7 m) annual wage at Al Hilal brings the total number of players from Europe’s top leagues (Spain, England, Italy, France, Germany, and Portugal) who have moved to Saudi Arabia to more than 30.
And he added that the Saudi league will be entertaining and competitive since Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, and others will play there.
According to Neymar, meeting top-notch players on the other teams is exhilarating and inspires you to play even better. And it goes without saying that the excitement is considerably higher when you play against Ronaldo, Benzema, or Firmino.
“So I’m glad to be a part of this league; it will be great to face them. Naturally, a large portion of Brazil will watch the league. Naturally, I’ll be there, and I anticipate that Al Hilal will have the backing of all Brazilians and league fans.
“The message I have for them is that we want to win every title, and I will do everything I can to make them enjoy football,” he said.
In addition to Jordan Henderson, the captain of Liverpool, and Riyad Mahrez, a player for Manchester City, the Saudi Pro League has spent over €600 million to entice a number of great players and coaches from European clubs.
On Saturday, Neymar’s new squad, Al Hilal, will host Al-Feiha in the upcoming round of league games.
Neymar hails Ronaldo for sparking Saudi Pro League growth. His move to Al Hilal highlights the league’s competition. Ronaldo’s choice fuels expansion; Neymar welcomes challenges. He aims to contribute, excite fans, and secure titles. Investments in players like Henderson and Mahrez emphasize the league’s commitment. Neymar anticipates thrilling matchups, eager to excel in Saudi Pro League.
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