Neymar has credited Cristiano Ronaldo for his move to Al Hilal. He believes the Portuguese star is the reason many top players are leaving Europe for the Middle East.
The Brazilian, who left Paris Saint-Germain to join the likes of Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, and other big names in football, praised Ronaldo for igniting the growth of the Saudi Pro League.
According to Neymar, Ronaldo was called “crazy” when he left Manchester United and signed for Al Nassr last December.
Neymar signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, who are also the reigning champions of Asia, despite being linked with a move to Man United, Chelsea, and a return to Barcelona.
In his first interview since completing the move, he said: “In my own view, Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the leading pioneers of these changes, even though everybody called him.
“The league has expanded and is expected to be more competitive especially with the recent signings in the summer transfer window. What really matters in competition is why I joined this league. I am driven by an appetite for mounting a tough task that enhance the essence of development of this league.”
He added that he is “very excited” to embark on a new journey. He also promised to help groups in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal finished third last season, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr finished second, while the side Benzema signed for, Al Ittihad, won the title. Other clubs that are expected to compete for the league title this season are Steven Gerrard’s Al Etiffaq, Al Shaban, and Al Ahli, a side that has Firmino, Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Frank Kessie, and former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.