Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation after joining Al-Hilal

Star Brazil forward Neymar has credited Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for transforming the Saudi Pro League while adding that he is looking forward to facing the former Manchester United star when he starts playing for Al-Hilal.

After six years with Paris St Germain, the 31-year-old Neymar signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club on Tuesday in a deal reportedly worth around 90 million euros ($98 million). Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Nassr in December after parting ways with 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 in his first interview after the transfer on Wednesday.

Since then, the Saudi Pro League has invested over 600 million euros in luring a slew of top players and coaches from European clubs. Among the notable additions are Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, and Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez.

“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 re-appointed Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus on a one-year contract and added former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves, Serbia’s Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, and Brazilian striker Malcom to their squad.

“I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout you 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 team mates – 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.