Saudi Pro League can be one of world’s best: Uros Matic

In the two years since Uros Matic signed for Abha, the Saudi Pro League has experienced some monumental changes.

The Serbian midfielder, brother of ex-Manchester United and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic, has been part of an upward trajectory that shows no signs of abating — with further big investment in high-profile signings expected this summer.

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr understandably grabbed global headlines, Matic was convinced of the league’s potential for growth long before the Portuguese icon landed in Riyadh.

Having played across a host of European Leagues with the likes of FC Copenhagen and Sturm Graz, as well as in the Champions League with Azerbaijani giants Qarabag, Matic was drawn to the Kingdom in 2021.

He told Arab News: “I had been interested in the region for a long time. I could see that Saudi football was getting bigger and I was happy to agree terms with Abha. I think it was a good choice.

“I have made a lot of friends here — I’ve found the Saudi people to be really friendly and of course the food is fantastic.

“There are a few challenges of course – Saudi Arabia is a huge country and every time we play away, we need to fly, so you sometimes spend all day in the plane. But this is a small sacrifice for the end result of playing at good stadiums against good teams. I am enjoying it.”

One of those good teams is Al-Nassr, now led by the talismanic Ronaldo. Matic and Abha faced them back-to-back in March, succumbing 3-1 in the King’s Cup quarter-final before a late capitulation saw Roel Coumans’ side narrowly lose 2-1 in the league four days later.

Similar to the Saudi Pro League’s players, Matic recognizes the pivotal nature of Ronaldo’s move in terms of the country’s football