The prince and sports minister of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, wanted 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to play in that country. “Anything is possible,” he said in an interview with the BBC. The player will represent Portugal at the 2022 World Cup and is without a club after terminating his contract with Manchester United by mutual agreement a few days before the start of the competition in Qatar.
“I would like to see Ronaldo play in the Saudi league,” Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told the British TV channel. “It would benefit the championship, the sport in the country and inspire our young people for the future. He is a role model for many children and has many fans,” said the prince and minister of sports in Saudi Arabia. In the summer, the national team captain rejected a proposal worth €350 million to play two seasons for a Saudi Arabian club.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal also said Saudi Arabia’s chances of hosting a football world cup would increase if it were awarded the rights to host Asian competitions in women’s and men’s football in 2026 and 2027.
Saudi Arabia is in talks with Egypt and Greece over a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, an Egyptian official said in September. “Every country in the world would like to host a World Cup,” said the prince.
“We have a lot of stadiums that meet the requirements we need, but organizing an event like this isn’t just about the stadiums, it’s about the infrastructure, the people, getting everyone ready for the event,” he said. he.
Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia will “absolutely support” bids for the English Premier League giants, whose owners are polling investors.
“I can’t speak for them from the private sector, but there is a lot of interest and a lot of passion for football,” he admitted in the BBC interview. “We will certainly support the eventual private sector [saudita] join us as we know this will have a positive impact on the kingdom’s sport,” the prince added.
Remember, the American owners of Manchester United surprised this week by revealing that they are considering selling the club, just hours after announcing Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
Liverpool’s owners, also Americans, said they were open to new shareholders but declined to confirm reports that the club was up for sale.
Source: DN
