With Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi reportedly being courted by Saudi Arabian giants, Cristiano Ronaldo has motivated why it would be good for players like them to make the move to the Gulf state.
It's been six months since Ronaldo joined Al Nassr on a two-year deal worth a reported £173 million (R4.2 billion) a year, making him the highest-paid footballer of all time.
Having agonisingly missed out on the Saudi Pro League (SPL) title to 2022/23 champions Al Ittihad, it was rumoured that the 38-year-old was ready to call it quits in the Middle East and return to Europe, potentially with Bayern Munich.
However, he put that speculation to bed on Thursday evening when he confirmed he will be plying his trade in the same league in 2023/24, a decision that is welcomed by SPL organisers and members of government who want to globalise the division.
Read: OFFICIAL: Ronaldo makes final decision on future
Their efforts to lure some of the biggest names in football to the country have been well-documented, with Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema having reportedly been courted by Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, respectively.
Both aforementioned players are said to have been offered jaw-dropping deals, with added incentives like commercial partnerships and ownership of their image rights, to make the switch from Europe.
Ronaldo has since weighed in on the prospect of Benzema, Messi and other high-profile stars joining him in the SPL, per the Daily Express.
Speaking on a programme by the Roshn Saudi League, the Portuguese superstar said: "If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, old players, they are very welcome because if that happens, the league will improve.
"Age is not important, but competing players, young players, depend on many factors."
?? @AlNassrFC's @Cristiano Ronaldo talks about his experience so far looks forward to next season in an exclusive #SPL chat! Football, family life in Saudi Arabia - we discuss it all ?#RoshnSaudiLeague #CR7 pic.twitter.com/kCDrX63pvM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 1, 2023
Scroll through the gallery below to see other notable stars who have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia!
Read: Benzema makes strange Real 'request' after huge Saudi offer
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