One of Cristiano Ronaldo's former teammates has claimed that the superstar's move to Saudi Arabia was not a surprise because "the Middle East will be the future of football".
The 37-year-old's move to Saudi Arabia has resulted in some mixed reactions, with some suggesting the player is only plying his trade in the Gulf state for financial gain, while others have been more welcoming of his decision given his tremendous success in Europe.
Ronaldo, himself, insisted that the transfer marks a new chapter in his career after winning every available trophy in Europe for both club and country.
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With the blockbuster transfer remaining a hot topic, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's former Juventus teammate Miralem Pjanic has backed the Portugal superstar's decision to take his career to the Middle East, believing it is "the future of football".
"It's a very ambitious club, I am convinced that the Middle East will be the future of football," the Bosnian, who currently plays for United Arab Emirates outfit Sharjah FC, told Tuttosport.
"There are countries with a lot to offer, but their potential hasn't been fulfilled yet.
"Surely, football will develop here.
"This is why I was not surprised by Ronaldo's decision.
"Football in Arabia is not as easy as people think.
"I think he will contribute to the development of the sport in the country."
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Meanwhile, FC Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, who played for and coached Al-Sadd in Qatar, has warned the Real Madrid legend that playing in the Saudi Pro League will not be easy.
"Ronaldo has signed for one of the best clubs in Saudi Arabia, but it's a challenge," he said, according to Manchester Evening News.
"Saudi Arabia has things to improve, but that's the same as in Spain, where we have 200 hundred things to improve. Everyone deserves that football should go around the world."
Ronaldo is still waiting to make his competitive debut for Al-Nassr as he is currently serving a two-game ban for a suspension he received while at Manchester United, but could make his first appearance for the club when an Al-Hilal/Al Nassr all-star XI takes on Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly later this month.
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