Only Ronaldo deserves to receive millions of dollars: Former Saudi Sports Minister

 Only Ronaldo deserves to receive millions of dollars: Former Saudi Sports Minister

 

Former Saudi Arabian Sports Minister Prince Abdullah bin Musaed has said that ‘Cristiano Ronaldo is the only footballer to join the Saudi Pro League who has proven that he deserves a multi-million dollar package.’

It should be recalled that star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal joined ‘Al-Nasr Club’ after saying goodbye to Manchester United for the second time at the end of 2022.

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His joining Al-Nasr Club marked the beginning of a wave of football stars in Saudi Arabia.

Prince Abdullah bin Musaed served as Saudi Arabia’s sports minister from 2014 to 2017 before a large number of foreign players joined the Saudi Pro League.

According to the British news agency Reuters, he warned that “the large number of foreign players in the Saudi Pro League is neglecting local talent and is also a threat to the future of the national team.”

In an interview with Al-Arabiya TV, Prince Abdullah bin Musaed stressed the need to protect Saudi footballers and create a competitive atmosphere in the kingdom ahead of the 2034 World Cup.

The former Saudi Sports Minister said that ‘Ronaldo is the only foreign player who deserves the package he is being given, he has brought international experience to Saudi Arabia and the league.’

 

However, he also made it clear that ‘the money being given to many other players is not worthy of it.’

 

Prince Abdullah bin Musaed said that ‘the number of foreign players in the league teams has reached 8, after which Saudi footballers have become ‘extras’.’

 

He stressed on investing more in youth development and said that ‘at present, a strong league is being formed at the expense of the national team, we need a clear plan of action for the 2034 World Cup.’