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Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo for his immense contribution to football in Saudi Arabia. The SPL CEO acknowledged that the Portuguese superstar's move to Al-Nassr made a huge impact on Saudi Arabian football.
Mugharbel admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Riyadh paved the way for many top footballers to move to the Saudi Pro League. He has also insisted that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has also made an impact off the pitch.
Mugharbel said in a press conference, as quoted by Maisfutebol:
"There is no doubt that someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, probably one of the best players to ever play the game, has had a huge impact on and off the pitch in Saudi Arabia. We believe that he has helped us accelerate our development and transformation process, opening the door for many other players to join the League, considering the Saudi League as a valid career opportunity for them."
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The Saudi Pro League top official added:
"We saw a lot of players who moved to Saudi Arabia last season but also a lot of players who arrived in the last transfer window. So it is clear that he has helped a lot in the development of our transformation."
Mugharbel added:
"But even off the pitch, we see that Ronaldo is now very well integrated into the community, happy with his family in Riyadh and promoting the Saudi League very effectively. So he has had a profound impact on the League, the clubs and the country."
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after his contract at Manchester United was terminated following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The five-time Ballon d'Or has scored for fun in Saudi Arabia, having contributed with 65 goals and 17 assists in 72 outings.
Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr put Saudi Arabia on the global football map, with many big names following him to the Middle East. Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Joao Cancelo are among the other big names plying their trade in Saudi Arabia right now.
Manchester United star credits Cristiano Ronaldo for his development as a footballer
Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for his impact on his development as a footballer. The 25-year-old insisted that he has learnt a lot from his compatriot who always wants to improve. The Portugal international told Portuguese outlet A Bola:
"Cristiano always seeks to improve. I see myself fitting in with that, and he also noticed my desire to learn and get closer to him to benefit from him. This made our friendship grow and the time we spent together increased, which had a very positive impact on me, and since I knew him my career has developed, and I think that is thanks to his influence."
Dalot spent time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and also in the Portugal international setup. They have played together a total of 59 times, for club and country, and have one joint goal participation.
