Months After Rejection Forced Cristiano Ronaldo to Take $500M Deal, Ex-Bayern Munich Boss Expresses Interest in Al Nassr & Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League captured global attention this season after signing renowned European sensations. Soccer luminaries like Karim Benzema and Neymar Jr followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo to advance their careers in the Middle East. On this note, a German soccer veteran expressed his keen interest in the Saudi teams, months after indirectly paving the way for CR7’s transfer to Al Nassr.

The Portuguese soccer legend was associated with a handful of suitors after his contract termination with Manchester United. Notably, he was speculated to join Bayern Munich to bolster their attacking capabilities. However, the German ex-CEO declined the veteran forward’s move, leading to his arrival on Asian soil.

What did Bayern’s legend remark on Saudi Clubs and Cristiano Ronaldo?

Oliver Kahn believed that soccer stars garner admiration in any league they participate in their career. SPL has turned this into reality after a significant surge in support from soccer fans worldwide. On this note, the veteran goalkeeper disclosed that his 12-year-old son is one such similar enthusiast. He developed an interest in the Saudi teams after the arrival of the numerous soccer icons.

Nevertheless, the gaining popularity of Middle Eastern soccer has also come to the attention of Kahn. Bayern’s CEO said in an interview, “Young people follow the best stars regardless of the club they play for. If Al Nassr plays with Ronaldo and Mane, Al Hilal plays with Neymar, or Al Ittihad plays with Benzema, they are interested. I will look at them as well.”

Meanwhile, Oliver Kahn had a brief influence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s $500 million transfer to Al Nassr. Bayern Munich withdrew from any potential move for the Los Blancos legend during the winter transfer window. Consequently, Ronaldo’s interest in continuing his career in the European leagues suffered a significant downturn.

Read More: Double Blow After ‘Disgraceful Behavior’, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Teammates Banned for Multiple Saudi Pro League Games

Why did Oliver Kahn not approve of CR7 in Bayern Munich?

Cristiano Ronaldo was on the lookout for a new club after parting ways in his second spell with Manchester United. Bayern needed a secure a forward following Robert Lewandowski’s departure from the club. However, the 54-year-old ex-CEO did not consider the Portuguese as their preferred choice. Oliver Kahn later explained Bayern’s reason for turning down the 37-year-old star.

The Bundesliga giants had an alternate plan for the season and CR7 did not align with their game-playing strategy. Kahn remarked on this note, “We discussed about Cristiano Ronaldo internally I consider him one of greatest footballers ever. Then we came to the conclusion that, despite appreciation for Cristiano, he would not fit into our philosophy in the current situation”. Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo has settled in the Saudi league and marked Al Nassr as his final club before hanging up his boots from an illustrious career.

Watch this story: Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer than Cristiano Ronaldo

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