Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation

RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar, who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international.

The 31-year-old Neymar

signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based Al-Hilal on Tuesday

after spending six years with Paris Saint-Germain, in a deal reportedly worth about €90 million (S$133.3 million).

Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a 2½-year contract following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.

“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 on Wednesday in his first interview after the transfer.

The Saudi Pro League has since invested over €600 million to lure a host of top players and coaches from European clubs.

Notable recruits include Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.

“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,” Neymar said.

Al-Hilal reappointed Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus on a one-year deal and signed former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves, Serbia’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Brazilian striker Malcom.

“I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout your career. It was, certainly, for me,” Neymar said.

“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.”

Al-Hilal host Al-Feiha in the next round of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday. REUTERS