“What Is Said About Saudi Arabia Is Not True” – Hours After Cristiano Ronaldo’s Defense, $26,750,000 Rival Shatters Stereotypes Regarding Middle-East Nation

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a massive force on the soccer map. They completely changed the dynamics, especially in the transfer window with significant spending. The Gulf nation has been subject to criticism for years and there has been a notion built around the Middle East country. Now a $26.75 million Saudi Pro League star has come out in defense of the nation after Cristiano Ronaldo made massive claims. 

Ronaldo’s rival shared his experiences during an interview after the Saudi transfer, where he added fuel to the debate by pointing out the misconceptions regarding Saudi Arabia.

The former Atletico Madrid superstar is in sync with Cristiano Ronaldo

Yannick Carrasco joined the Saudi Arabian bandwagon before the transfer window ended. He joined Al Shabab FC from Atletico Madrid. It has been a few days since the Belgian international landed in the Middle East. And he is already seeing the normal life in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking about the Saudi Arabia move, Carrasco said, “What is said about Saudi Arabia is not true. Ronaldo lives with his wife, Neymar, Benzema, and the rest of the players. I myself went and saw a normal life. There are human rights organizations that really moan when it comes to Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi Arabia has garnered heavy criticism over the years regarding various issues. Also, in recent times, their spending on sports garnered attention. Be it golf or soccer, many criticized the splurge. And now the players coming to the SPL are taking a stance in the defense of Saudi Arabia. Many claim that the Gulf nation wants to rebuild its image via sports, and the new signings are helping them.

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The statement from the former Atletico Madrid man comes hours after Cristiano Ronaldo defended the Saudi Pro League against criticism. Carrasco switched to Saudi Arabia for a fee of around $16 million in the final days of the transfer window. He joined an enormous list of European stars like Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Neymar, and Riyad Mahrez, amongst others.

What does Ronaldo say about SPL?

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner spoke positively about the Saudi Pro League, confirming he made a correct decision. He further labeled life in SPL and the nation as ‘normal’ and wants the league to continue its evolution. He is unfazed by the criticism of the league and takes pride in being the change in the Gulf nation.

A few days back, he claimed SPL will soon be one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The leaders have taken a first step by investing tremendous sums in the summer transfer window. Also, the clubs are making investments in the infrastructure. Only time will tell where SPL ends. Let us know your thoughts on soccer stars defending Saudi Arabia. 

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