“I beat him once” – Super Eagles captain lauds Ronaldo’s role in the rise in stature of the Saudi Pro League

Super Eagles and Al-Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong has credited five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, for the growth of the Saudi Pro League in recent years, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ekong joined Al-Kholood from Greek Champions, PAOK, last season, and saw his team finish in 9th place on the Saudi Pro League table in his debut campaign.

Since Ronaldo moved to the Middle East since January 2023, the Saudi League has seen an influx of high-profile players follow in the path of the Portuguese, including footballers like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, and N'golo Kante.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE;

• Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray hero tops global rankings, surpasses Ronaldo, Messi, and Kane

• “I’ll like to” – Ex-Super Eagles captain urges Chelsea to sign Ronaldo ahead of the Club World Cup

• Cristiano Ronaldo equals Super Eagles star’s Saudi Pro League record

Ronaldo has scored 99 goals and provided 19 assists in 111 games for Al-Nassr across all competitions since moving in 2023, and Ekong credited the Real Madrid's record goalscorer for the competitiveness in the Saudi Pro League.

“He's the kind of player you want to have in the league, because he draws attention and I think he brings the best out of everyone,” the Super Eagles captain said in an interview with Flashscore.

“He's so respected and so competitive at the highest level. Not lifting a trophy yet? I'm sure it will frustrate him but I think you also have to respect other teams in the league.

“We have Al Ittihad Club, a historical team that won the league this season with the likes of (Karim) Benzema, Ngolo Kante, Fabinho, Steven Bergwijn and others.

“Same for Al Hilal who have won so many (titles) in previous years with all their stars. They (have) also the Asian Cup, so there are fantastic teams in the league and it's not easy.

“One man Ronaldo alone cannot win the league or a cup. I'm sure he'll be fired up to do it before he leaves Al Nassr.”

“I've had luck playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best players in the world. I played against him in Italy during his time with Juventus and I was at Udinese.

“Also, at Watford and he was at Manchester United. I managed to beat him once in Udinese and Watford.

“He is the pioneer in Saudi, the same way when he went to Italy to revive Serie A when he left Real Madrid,” the AFCON 2023 finalist concluded.

Ronaldo and Ekong will lock horns in the Saudi Pro League when next season kicks, after it was confirmed that the Portugal captain will extend his stay at Al Nassr.