Neymar looks forward to facing ‘top quality’ opposition in Saudi Pro League

RIYADH: Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr has credited fellow global footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo for sparking the remarkable transformation of the Roshn Saudi League and admits the “exciting” prospect of facing the Portuguese legend and stars such as Karim Benzema and Robert Firmino will be motivation to “play even better” for new club Al Hilal. 

Neymar Jr joined the most successful and one of the biggest clubs in Asia for an initial two-year period and brings an impressive CV that includes UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Copa Libertadores and Olympic glory. The former PSG, Barcelona and Santos goalscorer is the latest big name to join the Roshn Saudi League, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Benzema, Firmino and a host of other major international stars including Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and more.

Neymar Jr said: “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, Firmino, that the excitement is even greater. So I am happy to join this league, facing them will be wonderful, it will be fantastic.”

Speaking about the growing global profile of the Roshn Saudi League, he added: “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 may be joining a club that has won 66 trophies including a record four AFC Champions League titles, but he is not taking success for granted. He said: “The league will be very competitive, especially after the signings made in the summer transfer window. I believe competitiveness is important. That’s why I am joining this league. I