Neymar Admits Ronaldo Paved the Way for Footballers to Move to Saudi Arabia

• Neymar's adventure with Paris Saint-Germain is over
• The Brazilian maestro is the latest high-profile footballer to move to the Saudi Pro League
• He thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for paving the way for other footballers to move to Saudi Arabia

After days of speculation, Neymar finally completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on a two-year deal. Al-Hilal paid a fee said to be worth €90 million for the Brazilian.

The former Barcelona man has credited Cristiano Ronaldo for leading the way to Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese legend was the first big football star to move to Saudi Arabia in December.

Since the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend joined Al-Nassr, top football stars from European clubs have been flocking to the Middle Eastern country, and Neymar is the latest high-profile footballer to sign with a Saudi Pro League club.

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Some other stars who have made a move to Saudi Arabia are Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Marcelo Brozovic.

Obviously, wages are one of the major reasons why players are moving there. For Instance, Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half-year contract worth in the region of $220 million a year, a figure few European clubs can match, per the Athletic.

Neymar credits Ronaldo

Speaking for the first time as an Al-Hilal player, Neymar said Ronaldo was the pioneer, and people dismissed him.

"I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him 'crazy,' and this and that," Neymar said. "Today you see the league grow more and more...The league will be very competitive, especially after the signings made in the summer transfer window. I believe competitiveness is important. That's why I am joining this league. I am driven by challenges. I am there to help the league grow.

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Neymar remains the most expensive footballer of all time following his move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017. He spent six years in France and scored 118 goals.

He will reportedly earn around €150 million per season.

Ronaldinho's message to Neymar

Sports Brief earlier reported on Brazil legend Ronaldinho sending a beautiful message to Neymar after his move to Al-Hilal was complete.

He wished Neymar good luck as he embarks on a new adventure of his career.

The two wingers are regarded as the most exciting footballers of all time because of their flair on the pitch.