Ruben Neves claims that Cristiano Ronaldo has “proved” the quality of Saudi Pro League football, with critics being urged to pay closer attention.
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All-time great moved to Middle East in 2023Joined by several other household namesIn the process of chasing down 1,000 goalsWHAT HAPPENED?
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner headed to the Middle East in 2023, following his dramatic release by Manchester United. Ronaldo paved the way for several other household names to join him in a big-spending division that boasts huge ambition.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT NEVES SAID
Neves is among those to have followed his fellow countryman to Saudi Arabia, telling the of why football in the region deserves greater credit: “I invite those people [critics] to watch Saudi football. I have said this a few times – if you compare my GPS data from English football to Saudi football, I run even more, but with the difference that I run in 40 degrees [Celsius]. I am in good shape physically. Both Cristiano and I proved that Saudi football has quality.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo registered 50 goals for Al-Nassr last season and has already been back on target for them in the current campaign. He has taken his record-shattering tally of career efforts to 901 – after hitting the net in back-to-back UEFA Nations League fixtures for Portugal.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Quizzed on whether former United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar Ronaldo can achieve his aim of reaching 1,000 competitive goals – with the evergreen frontman now 39 years of age – Al-Hilal midfielder Neves added: “Of course it is possible. He is already on goal 901 and with Cristiano anything is possible.”