“No Prestige in Saudi Arabia” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s $500M Al Nassr Move Torn to Shreds, Citing Youngsters’ Thirst to Win Big Trophies

There has been an exodus of European superstars who have followed Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese talisman’s $500 million move to Al Nassr opened the door for other players. With the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and many more joining Saudi outfits, experts are worried about the sudden drain of talent. And not everyone is of the same opinion with a Scottish legend being okay with players moving to the Saudi Pro League.

Scotland legend Steve Nicol recently touched down on the move of soccer players to Saudi Arabia. Nicol believes there is no prestige in football in the Middle East, and the players are just moving there for financial gain. Nicol has provided an interesting take on his statement, and there is surely some truth behind his words.

Steve Nicol not surprised with aged players moving to Saudi Arabia

Steve Nicol, talking to ESPN during their latest show, was asked about his thoughts on the massive transfers to Saudi Pro League outfits this season. The former Liverpool player said he was not surprised with the recent transfers considering the money.

However, Nicol did go all in on the players who moved to the Middle East. The former Scotland star slammed the Saudi Pro League, claiming it does not have any prestige. He also added that he isn’t surprised with the players who have decided to go there, as none of them are young anymore.

“I think football players want to be where the big trophies are, where the prestige is. I mean there is no prestige in Saudi Arabia. Let’s be honest we play because yes we want to do well financially. But we play because we want to win the trophies. We want to play in the Champions League. We want to win the big domestic leagues.”

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“And I don’t think that has changed yet. I certainly don’t believe it will for younger players.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first of the many European stars who decided to make a switch to the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese superstar made a move to Al Nassr in the winter transfer window last season. Following his move to Saudi, Ronaldo has questioned the quality of football present across Europe. However, it seems like there are multiple stars who agree with his opinion. A large number of players have switched to the Middle Eastern League following Cristiano’s deal.

European superstars follow trendsetter Cristiano Ronaldo to SPL

A large wave of European superstars have made their move to Saudi Arabia following Cristiano’s transfer. The 5-time Ballon D’or winner is credited for paving the path for a string of European superstars, with multiple names such as Neymar and Karim Benzema signing big-money deals with different Middle Eastern clubs. Firmino, Mane, Laporte, and Mahrez are among many others who also made the switch.

While there has been a large exodus of stars to the Middle East, there is some truth to Nicol’s statement. Most players who have moved to the Middle East are over 30 and have made their name across Europe. However, there is no denying the fact that European players have considered the possibility of making a move to the Saudi Pro League with the heavy money on the table.

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