Ex-Juventus Star Hails Cristiano Ronaldo’s Effect in Influencing Move to Saudi Arabia

The East will be proud of Cristiano Ronaldo for making soccer more competitive than before. His arrival at the Saudi Pro League resulted in bringing the world’s attention to the sport in Asia with a great revolution. The best in the sport like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and even Aymeric Laporte followed the path making the Saudi League a competition to watch out for. However, former Juventus youngster reiterated how iconic the Portuguese captain’s move is, by motivating even the emerging players.

Among many top European players who arrived in the Middle East, former Italian champion Merih Demiral was the most excited to arrive at Al Ahli. The 26-year-old has now stated that Ronaldo was the main reason for the stars to join Saudi. According to reports, he recently said, “Cristiano Ronaldo had a great influence on me in accepting Al-Ahly’s offer.” Demiral joined Al Ahli for a three-year for $21.73 million reportedly. Despite suffering an injury earlier in the season his club had a successful season finishing third in SPL after getting promoted from Division 1.

Meanwhile, the Turkish star played with the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner for two seasons from 2019 to 2021 at Juventus. Both together won the Serie A in 2020 which was spearheaded by Ronaldo who scored 31 goals that season apart from their Italian Cup triumph in 2021. However, Demiral further stated, “Cristiano Ronaldo paved the way for all players in the Saudi League,” that even the other high-profile players followed Ronaldo’s suit to choose Saudi over Europe.

Meanwhile, even Neymar, who rekindled his rivalry by joining Al Hilal gave a similar thought on his move to the SPL. The Brazilian was clear that it was the former Real Madrid striker who went out of the box and opened the doors for such transformation. It is commendable to see how these leagues which were once considered in the latter stages of people’s careers are now chosen even by the best in business. However, despite such accolades can Ronaldo help Al Nassr with a trophy?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move might have helped rival more than Al Nassr

With the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo, the ‘Knights of Najd’ were poised to claim a formidable squad and a series of trophies. But it was just the team that was bolstered more so with Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, and Aymeric Laporte, with the trophy cabinet remaining as it was. Meanwhile, it was Al Hilal that took all the major titles including the league and Super Cup. Jorge Jesus team claimed glory earlier on Friday beating Al Hazm 4-1. Despite Neymar being out, it was their last summer’s signings, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Malcom, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic that led their mighty campaign this season.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo has a chance to do something for his team as they face Al Hilal in the King’s Cup final on May 31st. Meanwhile, Jorje Jesus’ team seems to be the biggest winner in the transfer market inspired by Ronaldo with some remarkable signings.