The influence of Cristiano Ronaldo is unmatched. A prime example is undoubtedly his transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Ever since his arrival, the Middle East’s domestic soccer landscape has transformed significantly. Amid the Portuguese icon’s revolution of the ‘beautiful game’ in Saudi, a rival has hailed his $500 million decision to ‘incredibly’ benefit the Roshn Saudi League. 

Additionally, his arrival in the Gulf country ignited a mass transfer exodus from Europe. Last summer, top European veterans, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and N’Golo Kante, also came to grace the league. 

Cristiano Ronaldo gets praised for elevating Saudi Pro League

It has almost been a year since Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Al Nassr. Since then, the Portuguese superstar has endured quite a rollercoaster ride on and off the pitch with the Riyadh side. Likewise, his presence in the Middle East also led to many off-field developments, including the promotion of the league to the highest level. 

Interestingly, this was recently brought to light by one of Al Nassr’s rival team’s bosses. Al Fateh’s Sporting Director, Nicola Innocentin recently showered the Al Nassr skipper with huge praise. He said, “The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League changed everything in the league in an incredible way”. As suggested, Ronaldo’s $500 million decision, which initially upset the soccer fraternity, has surely proved favorable with the quick development of the sport in Saudi. Indeed, it is quite a heartwarming claim from the rival team’s sporting director.

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Certainly, it would be a melody to the ears of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Ronaldo’s presence in the league has been praised. Earlier, it was touted that the 38-year-old is helping Saudi Arabia’s 20-year growth. 

CR7 garnered praise for helping Saudi Arabia’s long-term growth 

The long-term benefits associated with Ronaldo’s arrival in Al Nassr were earlier reflected by Ronaldo’s rival club star and Kylian Mbappe’s former Monaco teammate, Marcel Tisserand. During an interview, the Al Ettifaq player was questioned about whether CR7’s transfer was solely driven by financial motives. Remarkably, Tisserand responded by defending the soccer icon, insisting he brings much more to the country than it costs. 

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“It’s not about the money for players like him. He is helping the country on gaining 20 years of growth”. He also insisted that it was due to Ronaldo that fans got to notice the Saudi Pro League. “The country will grow and emancipate even more,” he added. Aside from commercials and advertising, the 5x Ballon d’Or winner also attracts tourism.

Unquestionably, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best thing that happened to Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League. Any thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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