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Journalism of Courage
Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, said Neymar in his first interview after the transfer to Al Hilal.
Stating that he is looking forward to facing Ronaldo, the 31-year-old Brazil forward also said that he is excited to face the likes of Benzema, Firmino among others.
Neymar has signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club after moving from Paris St Germain.
“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,” Neymar said on Wednesday.
“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,” Neymar said.
“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 said.
“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,” he added.
Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the greatest footballers of all time. They have both won numerous individual and team awards, and they are considered to be among the most marketable athletes in the world.
The Saudi Pro League has invested over 600 million euros to lure a host of top players and coaches from European clubs.
Saudi Arabia wants to improve its sporting image, wants to project itself as a sport-friendly-country and the Ronaldo acquisition is proving to be the right one.
Cristiano Ronaldo, joined Al-Nassr in December on a 2-1/2 year contract following his exit from Manchester United.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is the most expensive transfer in the history of Saudi Arabian football. The club is reportedly paying him €200 million per year, making him the highest-paid footballer in the world
Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr was a major coup for the club. He is one of the most famous and marketable footballers in the world, and his signing did boost the club’s profile both domestically and internationally.
