Home/Soccer

via Reuters

via Reuters

For many soccer stars, the transition from European soccer to the Saudi Pro League hasn’t been easy. The blazing hot weather and the difference in culture have been a tough nut to crack. Yet, one player who is thriving in the Middle East is Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old is the leading goalscorer in the league with 29 goals. Also, CR7 is finding life outside the pitch amusing as well. What might be his favorite aspect of Saudi life? It might be the music as per Toti Gomes.

The Portuguese defender recently spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s new locker room hobby. Gomes said, “He is a funny person and always makes jokes sometimes. He is the person responsible for the music and recently he has played a lot of Saudi music.” Despite, Ronaldo’s intense personality, he seems to be a calm and fun presence in the locker room. This was echoed by his former Real Madrid teammate Javier Hernandez as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, Cristiano Ronaldo did find the Saudi weather challenging. This even forced the 5 time Ballon d’Or winner to tweak his training schedule! Speaking of the same, CR7 said, “The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler. But I have really gotten used to that now.” Well, the results are there for all to see.

However, it’s not just Cristiano Ronaldo who enjoys his Saudi stint. Previously, a Saudi minister claimed that CR7 elevated the SPL to untouched heights! This is a sentiment shared pretty much by all the people in power in the country. As a result, they even allowed the Portuguese star to break a major Saudi Arabian law!

Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to bend the rules in Saudi Arabia!

In Saudi Arabia, there is a law that prevents unmarried couples from cohabiting. This seemed to be a hurdle in Cristiano Ronaldo’s case. Despite his long relationship with Georgina, the pair hadn’t tied the knot. Yet, considering the long-term benefits of CR7’s signing, the authorities decided to waive off this requirement. Notably, the Al Nassr star was not the only soccer player to get this special treatment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Al Hilal star Neymar Jr also faced a similar situation with partner Bruna Biancardi. Moreover, Bruna was also pregnant at the time of the move. But, similar to CR7, the authorities allowed the star couple to live together. However, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr hasn’t been able to repay the favour as an untimely injury has prevented him from dazzling the Saudi audience.