“It’s Not About the Money” – Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo Is Helping Saudi Arabia’s 20-Year Growth, Claims Kylian Mbappe’s Ex-Teammate

Before Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr, not many were aware of the Roshn Saudi League. Since the Portuguese superstar’s Middle Eastern arrival, he has put Saudi Arabia’s domestic league on the soccer map. Despite many being against his infamous $500 million+ move to Al Nassr, things have flourished for the SPL. In fact, Kylian Mbappe’s former teammate insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is not just about money.

After Ronaldo, other stars also made their moves to respective Saudi Arabian clubs, like Neymar to Al Hilal and Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad.

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiding Saudi Arabia’s 20-year growth

There are a lot of reasons attached to Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr. Sure, the Riyadh side brought him in order to bolster their ranks. However, his arrival also brings long-term benefits, not just to the club but to the country as well. This was recently echoed by Ronaldo’s rival club star and Kylian Mbappe’s former Monaco teammate, Marcel Tisserand.

Recently, the Al Ettifaq player sat down for an interview and asked if Ronaldo’s move is purely money-motivated. To which, Tisserand replied, “What it too much? Today, I don’t even know if he is financially valuable. He brings so much more to the country than what he costs. It’s not about the money for players like him. It’s not about the money. He is helping the country on gaining 20 years of growth.”

He continued, “Now people notice the Saudi Championship. Some people didn’t know it exits and it’s thanks to him, broadcasters are coming , advertising, sells of jersey, it’s so much more than money. His public figure. It brings other things like tourism. The country will grow and emancipate even more.” Certainly, Tisserand’s words are clear about how much Ronaldo’s arrival has benefited both the league and the country.

Notably, Tisserand rose through the ranks of Monaco and played for a year with Mbappe, until he moved to Bundesliga. The center-back joined Al Ettifaq last summer from Fenerbahce. However, coming back, Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al Nassr has done the unthinkable. While many individuals may not believe in it, CR7 has spoken positively about his decision on multiple occasions.

READ MORE: “We Are Forced to Do It” – Wrath Unleashed at Saudi Arabia as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Angry Al Nassr Boss Calls Out Jam-Packed Schedule

CR7 brims with confidence over Saudi Pro League project

Despite criticism, Cristiano Ronaldo has showered a lot of praise for the potential and quality of soccer in his move to Al Nassr. Earlier, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his approval of the Saudi Pro League, affirming the soundness of his decision. He went on to describe life in the SPL and the country as ‘normal’ and expressed his desire for the league’s ongoing development.

Despite facing criticism directed towards the league, he remains undaunted and takes satisfaction in being an agent of transformation in the Gulf nation. Earlier, he also claimed that “Saudi League is better than MLS.” Certainly, this suggests the latter has a lot of faith in his decision and surely thinks his arrival will open other portals as well.

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