Cristiano Ronaldo feels that his January move to Saudi Arabia has prompted additional football superstars to contemplate relocating to the Pro League.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January after being released by Manchester United on a world record contract worth a whopping £175 million per year. Since then, Saudi Pro League clubs have made concerted efforts to bring in a number of high-profile recruits this summer.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which owns an 80% share in Premier League club Newcastle United, revealed on Monday that it had acquired a 75% stake in Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad. Non-profit foundations would hold the remaining 25% of each club.
Following the announcement, Al Ittihad confirmed the big signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid. The French striker agreed to a three-year contract worth £86 million per season, for a total of £258 million.
And Ronaldo thinks he set the precedent for players to take Saudi Arabian club offers seriously, insisting that the Pro League will become one of the’most significant’ in the world.
“Let’s bug people a little bit,” Ronaldo said at a press conference. “I knew going to Saudi Arabia would open a Pandora’s box, and I wasn’t wrong.”
“I’m confident that in a couple of years or three, this league will be one of the most important leagues in the world.” We can already see that. Karim has already gone [Real Madrid], and I am certain that many more players will follow.”
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