Ronaldo helps make SPL one of the world’s best leagues, says Real Madrid’s Nacho

Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi Arabian football will help propel the Saudi Pro League to become one of the best in the world, Real Madrid’s captain, Nacho, has said. (Supplied)

• Portuguese star’s arrival at Al-Nassr spurred ‘many of the world’s best players’ to go to Saudi Arabia
• Los Blancos skipper: ‘We have no excuse not to win Spanish Super Cup’

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi Arabian football will help propel the Saudi Pro League to become one of the best in the world, Real Madrid’s captain, Nacho, has said.
Addressing a press conference ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, when Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in the Spanish Super Cup 2024 final, the defender took his time praising the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Spanish arch-rivals will play the final at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, where Ronaldo has played for the past year with Al-Nassr, said a media statement.
“Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in the history of the world. He was my teammate at Real Madrid, and his impact is huge wherever he plays. His impact on the Saudi League was very clear after he came, and many of the world’s best players followed him to the Kingdom.
“The Saudi League in the coming years will be one of the best leagues,” said Nacho, who played alongside Ronaldo between 2011 and 2018, winning numerous trophies, including two Spanish Super Cups.
Sunday’s El Clasico, which kicks off at 10 p.m. local time, is a repeat of 2023’s showpiece occasion in Riyadh, when Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-1.
“I am very happy to be the captain of Real Madrid in the final match. Tomorrow will be a very important day for us to win a new championship. We need this championship, and what happened last season is in the past,” Nacho said.
“We have no excuse not to win this championship tomorrow. We have a perfect lineup to win against Barca tomorrow, despite several injuries.
“We must give everything to win this championship. Barca is very strong as always, and history tells us this. It will be a strong blow if we lose the first championship of the season.”
The 33-year-old has played for Real his entire career and will be out of contract at the end of the season but revealed he “would be delighted to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.”
He said: “I am very happy at Real Madrid, and this season is better than the previous one as I have played several matches. If they want me to renew my contract tomorrow, I will sign without hesitation. I have the support from the team and the coach motivates me to continue at Real Madrid.”
Real beat Atletico Madrid 5-3 on Wednesday in Riyadh in extra time to earn their place in this year’s final. On Thursday, Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-0 in their semifinal to set up the mouthwatering El Clasico in the Saudi capital.
This year’s Spanish Super Cup is the latest example of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting top international events across all sports, with football at the forefront.