Cristiano Ronaldo ‘1,000 per cent sure’ more stars will join him in Saudi Arabia after ‘opening box’ for Benzema & Kante
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CRISTIANO RONALDO believes that his move to Saudi Arabia earlier this year has opened 'a box' for other players to make the switch.
Ronaldo left Manchester United before signing a record-breaking £175million-a-year deal at Al-Nassr.
Since then, the Saudi Pro League has become more involved in the European transfer market, with moves for some of football's biggest stars.
Lionel Messi was long linked with a move to Al-Hilal before joining Inter Miami.
Last week, Karim Benzema - the reigning Ballon d'Or - completed a shock move to Al-Ittihad.
Speaking during a brand event, Ronaldo said: "I knew that me going to Saudi Arabia would open a box and I wasn’t wrong.
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"I’m sure in a couple of years or three, this league is going to be one of the most important leagues in the world.
"Karim left already and I am 1000 per cent sure that many more players will".
Ronaldo's controversial move to Saudi Arabia has been the turning point in the league's recruitment drive.
Since then, a number of high-profile names have been linked with a switch to the Middle East.
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French striker Benzema has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions worth 86million-a-season, ending his 14 years at Real Madrid.
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante is also on the cusp of sealing a 86m-a-year move to Al-Ittihad.
Chelsea had hoped to keep Kante on board by offering him a two-year contract extension, but the 32-year-old now looks set to leave Stamford Bridge.
Al-Hilal - who finished third last season - are also rumoured to be keen to sign Barcelona legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, who is chasing a Treble this season, has also been linked with a deal, this time at Al Ahli.
Al-Ahli were one of four clubs this week.
It was claimed the move will "unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports".
