A significant number of high-profile soccer players joined Saudi Pro League clubs on rich contracts this past summer, but found life in Saudi Arabia not being as great as they imagined. But, it seems that Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who was the first big star to come to the country, doesn’t share their opinion.
In a recent chat with reporters after Al-Nassr’s elimination from AFC Champions League, Ronaldo said that he is “absolutely happy” to be in Saudi Arabia.
“I am happy to be in Saudi Arabia, absolutely happy,” said Ronaldo via Fabrizio Romano. “I’m happy to represent Al Nassr and for me our season is positive because we have had a chance until now in all tournaments”.
Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023 from Manchester United, Ronaldo became the face of the Saudi Pro League. He has also been playing well, scoring 42 goals and adding 13 assists in 50 games.
However, the 2023-24 season has been quite challenging for Al Nassr and Ronaldo. The club was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League while they sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 12 points behind leading Al-Hilal.
Reports that surfaced in recent months indicated that some of Saudi Pro League’s biggest names, including striker Karim Benzema and Aymeric Laporte, are starting to regret their decision. Former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson even forced a transfer after just six months with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq FC and is now playing with Ajax in the Netherlands.
