$300,000,000 Poorer Than Cristiano Ronaldo After Saudi Deal, Neymar Jr Credits ‘Crazy’ CR7 For Saudi League Transformation

Cristiano Ronaldo sent shockwaves across the world when he joined Al Nassr from Manchester United. The 5 time Ballon d’Or winner is among the biggest athletes in the world today, and for him to join Saudi was a statement signing. After joining, CR7 recently made a statement saying more and more top European talents will soon have Saudi as their home. Lo and behold, we now have Neymar Jr. in Saudi!

When Ronaldo made that bold prediction, many labeled him as crazy. A huge section of the soccer world couldn’t find it possible for the Saudi League to garner top talents so soon. Hence many labeled Ronaldo’s statement as his way of justifying his crazy move. However Neymar in his first-ever interview as an Al Hilal player credited Ronaldo for this exodus of European talents to SPL.

Neymar Jr. credits CR7 for the exponential growth of the Saudi League

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr last year at a whopping commercial deal of $220 million per year. While many saw this as a last cash grab from the Portuguese, no one could ever predict the impact the move would have within a year. After all, when Cr7 joins a league, it becomes aspirational and attractive immediately. Neymar Jr. in his latest interview admitted it was Cristiano’s influence that has contributed to SPL’s rapid growth.

“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,” Neymar said yesterday. He also shared how top players joining thanks to Ronaldo’s influence has made the league more exciting for him. “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,” the Brazilian said.

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While his stance on CR7’s impact is clear, many are still doubting his motives to join Al Hilal. Many of the top talents have joined the league at the fag end of their career unlike the Brazilian. Hence soccer fans are upset with the ex-Barcelona winger’s move. However, in the interview, Neymar clarified that his move to Saudi wasn’t motivated by money.

Brazilian superstar reveals the reason behind joining Al Hilal

It is no secret that Neymar wasn’t happy at PSG. Marred with injuries and off-field drama, the Brazilian never got to stamp his authority in Paris. Hence when he got a credible offer, he chose to jump ships. While many thought Al Hilal’s mammoth contract swayed his mind, the Brazilian denied that. He instead cited the quality of players in the league and squad. “I think it is very important to have quality in the squad,” said the ex-PSG player. “Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout your career. It was certainly for me,” Neymar said.

The Brazilian then cited the novelty of Saudi. It’s a new adventure for him and an option to make more history and win more titles. “I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my teammates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club’s ambition,” he added.

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Will Neymar Jr. do a better job in Saudi than his PSG stint? Let us know your thoughts on the potential impact of the Brazilian on the SPL in the comments below!