After making a similar transfer to the Middle East, Neymar has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for his impact on the Saudi Pro League.

After completing his transfer to Al-Hilal, 31-year-old striker Neymar claimed that most of the credit for the recent expansion of football in Saudi Arabia should be given to Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo.

There has been no word on when the Brazil international will make his club debut, but Jorge Jesus and Al-Hilal will play Al-Feiha this coming Saturday.

Neymar credits Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation

Neymar, a renowned forward for Brazil, has said that Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival to Al-Hilal has changed the entire dynamic of the Saudi Pro League.

Having spent the previous six years at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar, now 31 years old, signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club on Tuesday in a deal worth an estimated $98 million.

After his contentious departure from Manchester United, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo signed a 2-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Nassr in December.

Believe it or not, I think Cristiano Ronaldo initiated this whole thing with the ‘mаd’ and ‘this and that’ comments. Neymar claimed in his first interview since the transfer on Wednesday that the league is “today you see grow more and more.”

In order to attract a plethora of elite players and coaches from European clubs, the Saudi Pro League has spent over 600 million euros.

It’s crucial, in my opinion, to have strong players on the roster. It’s obvious that this helps with some professional choices. Neymar admitted, “It was for me.”

I can’t wait to start a new chapter with the club and my teammates, one filled with championships and the realization of the club’s goals.

On Saturday, Al-Hilal will be hosting Al-Feiha for Game Week 4 of the Saudi Pro League.