Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr; the 5 time Ballon d’Or winner has changed the landscape of the Saudi Pro League. While it was certain that when an entity like CR7 joins, there will be massive commercial benefits for the league; what’s however surprised many is the amount of top European players that have joined since CR7’s arrival. A former Brazil and Real Madrid legend also noticed this and publicly iterated the same.
In a recent interview, the legendary left-back observed the same and praised the Saudi soccer development think tank for luring the ex-Juventus striker to their country. As per the Brazilian icon, the mass influx of top European talents is due to CR7 paving the way for them.
Roberto Carlos credits ‘smart’ Saudi Arabia for luring in Cristiano Ronaldo
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Roberto Carlos is one of the most revered and entertaining players of the last generation. The legendary left-back had an illustrious career for Real Madrid and Brazil winning multiple major trophies and accolades. Regardless, the main point is Roberto Carlos has been someone who has always been real and enjoyed his life to the fullest. He is known for calling a spade a spade and not sugarcoating his words.
With a section of media discrediting Cristiano’s role in influencing the SPL revolution; Carlos’ comments supporting CR7’s impact lends a lot of credibility!
🎙️ روبرتو كارلوس :
" السعودية كانت ذكية جدها بتعاقدها مع هرم كرة القدم كريستيانو رونالدو ، لأن بعد التعاقد معه أصبح من السهل جدًا إحضار بقية اللاعبين ". pic.twitter.com/NK86cbVy0U
— كورة | #النصر 🦁 (@9NFCBALL) August 29, 2023
In a recent interview, the Brazilian icon was quipped about Saudi Arabia’s meteoric rise in a short span. In response, the ex-Real Madrid icon credited Cristiano Ronaldo’s recruitment as the success behind the rise. “Saudi Arabia was very smart in signing the football pyramid Cristiano Ronaldo because after contracting with him, it became very easy to bring the rest of the players,” said Roberto Carlos solidifying Cristiano’s tangible impact on the league.
Interestingly, these comments surfaced right after Neymar Jr. credited CR7 for paving the way for European players like him. As per the Al Hilal superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has transformed the league with his arrival.
Neymar Jr thanks ‘crazy’ CR7 for transforming SPL
Neymar Jr sent shockwaves across the world recently when he announced his decision to join Al Hilal. While many initially speculated the $435,000,000 deal to have swayed his mind from European ambition; the Brazilian in his first interview on Saudi soil shot down these notions. The ex-PSG superstar revealed that his intentions to join Al Hilal stem purely from a sporting perspective.
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Neymar further shed light on the competitiveness of the league by citing the top European players plying their trade currently. As per the Brazilian, this was all possible due to CR7 who paved the way for top European talents like him. “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,” said Neymar.
“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,” as compiled by Reuters.
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Do you agree with Roberto Carlos and Neymar Jr’s assessment? Is it CR7’s influence or the allure of money that’s attracting top European talents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!