Iniesta’s move to Ras Al-Khaimah could be UAE Pro League’s Ronaldo moment

RIYADH: It has been Saudi Arabia’s summer.

Winter’s game-changing switch to Al-Nassr by Cristiano Ronaldo was followed by a wave of elite deals.

Moves for Karim Benzema, Marcelo Brozovic, Ruben Neves, Riyad Mahrez and more transfixed global football, with rumour and excitement focussed on who would be next to join the Roshn Saudi League revolution.

Monday’s in-bound flight to Dubai, however, saw some limelight shared.

Shockwaves spread out after the surprise announcement was made about Andres Iniesta’s switch to Emirates FC.

Welcome #iniesta in #emiratesclub @andresiniesta8 @fabriziorom @liveherewego_ pic.twitter.com/Ak52cyEvNY

— شركة نادي الامارات لكرة القدم (@Emirates_FC) August 7, 2023

He of Spain’s winning goal, and unforgettable celebration, in the fraught 2010 World Cup final.

The humble icon imbued with otherworldly dribbling technique who became part of the best midfield football has arguably ever seen during 16 years and more than 600 appearances in Barcelona’s first team, then trod a familiar path to the J1 League for a five-year stint at big-spending Japanese club Vissel Kobe.

A reunion with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami did not occur.

Neither was the stampede followed to Saudi Arabia. But in terms of stature, achievement, and star power, this blockbusting – and totally unexpected – deal matches any signed off over the border.

A succession of questions require answering.

Why has one of the sport’s all-time greats, seemingly decided to wind down his garlanded career at a promoted side in Ras Al-Khaimah, far away from the UAE’s political, cultural, and sporting centers?

What can Iniesta deliver at 39 years old for employers predicted to endure a