“I’m Not Crazy Anymore” – After $500,000,000 Move Triggered an Exodus of Stars, Cristiano Ronaldo Hails Saudi League for Revolutionizing the Competition

Soccer players are no strangers to criticism. Especially, Cristiano Ronaldo is immune to it. His move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for a $500 million package raised many eyebrows. Many questioned his motive behind going to a less competitive league. However, the recent transfers from Europe to Saudi Arabia have made CR7 think he isn’t “crazy“.

The move of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has revolutionized Saudi soccer. Although the Portuguese moved in January, the summer transfer window completely changed the dynamics of the Saudi Pro League. It completely outclassed the likes of La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga in the transfers. The steps taken by Saudi Arabia made the Al Nassr forward heap praise on the SPL.

Cristiano Ronaldo feels the right decision was taken

CR7 is with the Portugal national team for the international break. Selecao das Quinas will play Slovakia and Luxembourg in the Euro Qualifiers. Ahead of the game against Slovakia on Saturday, Ronaldo spoke to the press, where the obvious question was about the SPL and the transfers.

Ronaldo said, “It’s normal to criticize. Which league is not criticized? There are no problems everywhere. Controversy? There are recent situations in Arabia and Portugal that are happening. I knew it, and I kept saying it. Maybe everyone thought I was crazy…but, in the end, I’m not crazy anymore,” speaking about the criticism SPL is receiving.

The former Manchester United superstar feels it’s already normal to play in Saudi Arabia now. “As an Al Nassr player, I knew this was going to happen. For me it’s an honor to change a culture, not just football, and have great stars go there. I’m proud.” 

READ MORE: 72 Hours After Running Out of Time, 2 Players Ditch Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr as Key Positions Remain Vacant

He asked everyone to give SPL a chance. Ronaldo feels he is a pioneer for the change and is proud of that feeling. The former Real Madrid talisman wants the Arab League to keep evolving in the coming years to achieve the status of one of the best leagues in the world after an enormous splurge this transfer window.

Saudi Pro League only finished behind the Premier League in the transfer window

The Saudi League has spent $964,367,109 in the summer transfer window. It finished only behind the Premier League, which went beyond $3 billion in spending this summer. The Rosh Saudi League not only attracted players in the 30s but also succeeded in getting some young European talent on board. 

The Saudi League doesn’t want to be the Chinese Super League, which is nowhere to be seen after a massive splurge. According to reports, the Gulf nation is making a significant plan to change the infrastructure to accommodate popular sports in the country to attract tourism. Soccer has already taken a step.

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Do you agree with Cristiano Ronaldo, who feels the league is revolutionizing?