Steven Gerrard highlighted the significance of the arrival of Ronaldo within the rising recognition of the Saudi Pro League. (Image: X)
Steven Gerrard was all reward for the Portuguese icon, Cristiano Ronaldo and credited him for the surge in recognition of the Saudi Pro League.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi made their appearances in world soccer, it has all the time been a matter of debate about who would end because the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) of the sport. After Messi claimed a protracted-awaited FIFA World Cup title final 12 months, many known as the Argentine famous person the perfect of the sport.
Doing justice to their judgement, Messi has just lately secured his file-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award, which is considered essentially the most prestigious particular person award in soccer. Former English footballer Steven Gerrard earlier additionally recognised Messi because the GOAT. But Ronaldo appears to have turn out to be the brand new favorite of the Liverpool legend.
Gerrard jetted off to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer time after accepting the managerial position at Al-Ettifaq. Ronaldo additionally shifted his base to the Saudi Pro League aspect Al-Nassr final 12 months. The Portuguese objective-machine joined Al-Nassr after ending his affiliation with Manchester United.
Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq has squared off in opposition to Al-Nassr two instances this season throughout all competitions. While Al-Ettifaq triumphed within the league fixture, Al-Nassr acquired the higher of them 1-0 within the remaining of the King Cup of Champions, with former Liverpool ahead Sadio Mane scoring the successful objective.
Steven Gerrard just lately featured in an interview for the Saudi Pro League. Speaking concerning the current emergence of soccer in Saudi Arabia, Gerrard talked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s identify. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid goalscorer was the primary European footballer to reach within the shore of Saudi Arabia.
“The arrival of ‘The GOAT’ as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January was a huge signing. He still had a lot of football to offer. So, from afar, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo’s results, at the league, watching some games and watching some highlights,” Gerrard mentioned.
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Following Ronaldo’s footsteps, a number of stars from European soccer have joined the Saudi Pro League this summer time. It solely elevated the recognition of Saudi Arabian soccer within the world circuit. Gerrard mentioned, “I think from that moment, the league around the world had become a very popular talking point for everyone. After Cristiano’s arrival, even more, big-name signings, talents and skill sets were joining the league.”
During an interplay with Gary Neville on YouTube final 12 months, Steven Gerrard deemed Lionel Messi as a greater participant than Cristiano Ronaldo. At that time limit, Gerrard was managing Premier League membership Aston Villa.
Giving his view on the Ronaldo-Messi debate, the Englishman mentioned, “I think they’re both operating on a different planet to every footballer that’s ever lived, probably besides your Peles and your Maradonas. But Messi, for me, is more of a team player. If he’s in on goal, he’ll look for a pass as well as posting really good numbers individually as well.” These feedback had been made even earlier than Messi would win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
