Neymar, a new member of Al Hilal, has attributed his recent move to the Saudi Pro League to Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr.
Neymar ended his 10-year tenure in Europe, where he also played for Barcelona, by joining Riyadh-based Al Hilal in a €90 million transfer from PSG.
The 31-year-old said on the club channel that he thought Ronaldo was to blame for the current influx of players to the Middle East.
"I think Cristiano Ronaldo started it all, and everyone called him crazy and this and that," said the player. You can observe how the league is expanding nowadays.
Neymar said that he is prepared for a fresh challenge now that he has joined a "competitive league."
After the deals made during the summer transfer window, the league will be quite competitive. Competitivity is vital, in my opinion. I'm joining this league for that reason. Challenges motivate me. I'm here to support the league's expansion.
"I can't wait to start a new chapter while pursuing all the goals with the squad and my teammates—winning more and more championships and realizing the aspirations of the club. In that aspect, I'm really enthusiastic.
Neymar is the most recent player from Europe's elite leagues to transfer to the Saudi League this summer.
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