Al Nassr player Mohamed Simakan has reflected on playing with Cristiano Ronalfo. he lavished praise on the legendary striker's work ethics and leadership, saying that he gives him a lot of advice.
Simakan shares experience of sharing pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo
Simakan joined Al-Nassr from RB Leipzig on a season-long loan in the season of 2024 before the move was made permanent the following year. The 25-year-old centre-back has made 54 appearances for them, and also contributed three goals and three assists.
Simakan recently expressed his experience of playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, saying:
“If someone had told me at the start of my career: ‘You’ll play with Cristiano Ronaldo’? I would have said: ‘That’s impossible! We’re not the same age. When I started, he was at the end of his career.' I won’t lie to you, what he brings me in terms of discipline, work, and leadership is incredible. Cristiano gives me so much advice.”
In his 54 games for Al-Nassr, Simakan has shared the field 45 times with Ronaldo and also combined for one goal.
Expert says Premier League player could be bigger for SPL than Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo penned for Al-Nassr in 2023 and has been pivotal in the Saudi Pro League's growth. Many players like Karim Benzema and Neymar Jr followed him to the league.
However, broadcaster Ian Paul Joe thinks Mohamed Salah from Liverpool could be bigger for the Saudi Pro League. He said:
"I think Mohammad Salah would be an unreal signing for Saudi Pro League. I really do. I mean, you've got to think of the language that he speaks that can connect to so many people in that region. If you're trying to grow the game, not necessarily worldwide, especially for the SPL, the Saudi Pro League, you need to have someone who can speak your language, and Muhammad Salah offers so much, but he's also an icon. He's a world footballing icon."
"As you know, Mohamed Salah will be a wanted man from the Saudi Pro League, as far as I'm concerned. They will throw a lot of money at him, and I do be thinking, because of the language and quality of player in the profile he has in that region and around the world, he would be bigger than Cristiano Ronaldo. I honestly believe that," he added.
Salah has been associated with a move to the Saudi Pro League as his future at Liverpool is under speculation after his explosive interview earlier this month.