"He's the best to me" - Real Madrid defender salutes Cristiano Ronaldo 'influence' as he sends message to Saudi Pro League
Real Madrid defender Nacho has spoken about Cristiano Ronaldo in glowing terms and has sent a message to the Saudi Pro League's global development.
Nacho, Ronaldo's former teammate, said that to him, the Portuguese legend is the best player. Speaking of Ronaldo, Nacho said (via MadridXtra on X):
"Cristiano Ronaldo? What to say... he's the best to me and playing with him was magnificent."
Nacho made his first team debut for Los Blancos during the 2012-13 season, at a time when Ronaldo was the face of the Madrid giants. He shared the pitch 117 times with Ronaldo, combining for one goal. The pair won four UEFA Champions League titles together, among other trophies.
Nacho further spoke about how Ronaldo has helped the Saudi Pro League grow. Since the five-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Al-Nassr, the SPL has grown leaps and bounds in popularity. Many other superstars, like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and more, have joined the league.
Nacho noted that Saudi Arabia is looking to invest money in football and wished luck to the league, saying:
"His influence has been huge after going to Saudi. There are many players who have come here after him and he has dragged them along. Saudi Arabia is betting a lot on football, it will get better. I wish this country the best."
The 33-year-old Nacho is in the final months of his Real Madrid contract, which expires at the end of the 2023-24 season. He is currently in Riyadh with the team for the Supercopa de Espana. Los Blancos will play Barcelona in the final on January 14.
Throwback to Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary Real Madrid career
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 for a then-world-record €94 million. Already a Ballon d'Or winner with the Red Devils, Ronaldo was a superstar.
He was simply magnificent for the Spanish giants. The Portuguese ace made 438 appearances for the club, scoring a record 450 goals and providing 131 assists. He won 17 trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles.
Ronaldo left the club in the summer of 2018 and joined Juventus for a reported €117 million fee. He still holds a special place in the hearts of Madridistas for nine unforgettable seasons at the club.