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Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad):
Karim Benzema, now playing for Al Ittihad, embraces the new challenge in his career. He acknowledges the Saudi Arabian Pro League as a competitive platform and credits Cristiano Ronaldo for elevating the league’s status. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence here signifies the upward trajectory of Saudi Arabian football, and I’m here to win, just as I did in Europe,” says Benzema.
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Ruben Neves (Al Hilal):
Ruben Neves, who joined Al Hilal, echoes the sentiment that Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time. Neves expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo and compete against him in the Arabian league. “Of course, he is the best. To me, he is the greatest player ever, and I feel incredibly lucky to be by Ronaldo’s side. Now, I have the chance to face him in Arabia,” Neves affirms.
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Neymar Junior (Al Hilal):
Neymar, in a video introducing his new club, Al Hilal, highlights Cristiano Ronaldo as a trailblazer for the ongoing historic changes in Saudi Arabian football. Neymar shares, “Cristiano Ronaldo paved the way for this remarkable transformation in the Saudi Arabian league. Facing Ronaldo and his team will be an incredible experience.”
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Sadio Mane (Al Nassr):
Sadio Mane attributes his decision to join Al Nassr, even without any former teammates, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence. He remarks, “Ronaldo’s presence is motivating for me because he is the best player in history, if not the best. It’s an honor for me to play alongside him.”
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Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal):
Milinkovic-Savic acknowledges the challenge of facing Ronaldo, considering him the world’s best player. “I’ve had the opportunity to face Ronaldo during his time at Juventus, but I still don’t feel confident about facing him tomorrow. It’s a common feeling when you have to face the world’s finest player,” says Milinkovic-Savic. “Now, I have another chance to compete against Ronaldo in Arabia, and it’s a great honor for me.”
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Alex Telles (Al Nassr):
Alex Telles shares insights into Ronaldo’s work ethic, emphasizing his dedication to training and professionalism. “Every day, he trains relentlessly, and we’ve started to understand why he’s achieved what he has today. Despite being Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s extremely diligent in training, and I want to play alongside him to learn from him. That’s why I joined Al Nassr.”
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Otavio (Al Nassr):
Otavio, while considering Cristiano Ronaldo a role model, reflects on his experience of playing alongside him at the club level. “Cristiano Ronaldo is my captain in the national team. It’s an honor to play alongside him here at the club level.”
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Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli):
Riyad Mahrez, in an interview, recognizes Cristiano Ronaldo as a model everyone wants to emulate. He acknowledges Ronaldo’s professionalism and attributes his move to Arabia to Ronaldo’s influence.
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Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli):
Edouard Mendy bids farewell to Chelsea and embraces a new chapter in his career. He acknowledges the past successes but looks forward to competing against the best in the world. “I will now be an opponent of the greatest player in history,” Mendy says.
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Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr):
“Dear Manchester City football lovers, I want to share a story with you. We made history with the club. Many memories that I will cherish forever in my heart for 5 and a half years, unforgettable. Thank you, and I hope to see you again soon. And now, I am joining Al Nassr to team up with Cristiano, the best player in the world.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in the Saudi Arabian Pro League has brought together an exceptional group of football talent. These players, inspired by Ronaldo’s legacy and driven by the challenge of facing him, have chosen Arabia as their new footballing home. As the world watches, the Arabian league is set to become a stage for unforgettable encounters and extraordinary performances, all thanks to the GOAT effect – Cristiano Ronaldo.
