2023-12-17 09:06:09
Nigerian Michael Emenalo, Sports Director of the Saudi Football League, who supervises the program to attract elite players in the world, confirmed that Argentine legend Lionel Messi still wants to come to the Saudi League and offer something to the Kingdom’s stadiums, “and I believe that we will be able to find a club for him to express himself.” “For his skills, it is likely that if he wants to come here, we will work hard to find a club for him.”
Regarding the Riyadh season match, he said: “When you have two of the best players in the past few decades meeting each other; “Ronaldo and Messi, we expect this to produce an incredible amount of excitement. It should be fun for the fans, and it’s something we’re looking forward to.”
Emenalo indicated that they would seize any opportunity to do something about bringing Egyptian international Mohamed Salah, and said: “Salah is the player you want in your league, in any league in the world.”
Emenalo said in statements to Sky: “Salah is like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne. These are the players who, when we feel they are available, we are ready to listen to them. But we also understand that Salah is happy with the place he is currently in, and in a wonderful, historical club, which is Liverpool. We respect that very much and do not want it to appear as if we are putting any pressure on him.”
Emenalo confirmed that he does not want to pressure Salah to accept a new deal in his career (AP)
Regarding bringing him next January, he said: “We respect Liverpool, and in this scenario, the initiative to do anything will not come from us. There must be a unified interest from all parties concerned. It’s a very personal thing. As a player I bought at Chelsea and I love him. There’s nothing new to say. If a player with that level of talent is available and your league wants him, you’ll be happy. If Mohamed Salah is available and has interest in coming and everything is fine, then I’ll be happy. “Very happy.”
Regarding Kylian Mbappé’s arrival to the Saudi League, he replied: “It is an open conversation, but we do not know what he wants to do. Our position is very clear: any of these players knows where we are and we want them.” “If there is any interest in being part of what we are trying to build now or for the future, you cannot turn down the opportunity to see if Mbappé can join us. Kylian is someone I admire as a player.”
Regarding the approaching transfer of Mbappe last summer, he said: “The matter will never come close if it is not accomplished. I cannot say how deep the conversation was, but there was clear interest that if he was ready to come, there would be a club ready to make room for him.”
Argentine Messi still wants to come to the Saudi League (dpa)
Regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, he said: “As an administrative person in this league, I am grateful for what he offers. Cristiano is a great example in our industry, as he was one of the first players to actively invest in themselves as a product of their profession. What he’s doing at his age now is similar to LeBron James, he’s very unique, we’re really proud of him, and I personally have great respect for the contributions he’s making to the league. He has gone through a lot of down times, and he has come back and raised his level to reach his level of talent, there are reasons why he is in the discussions as (world class). He is one of the best players ever, and has a global mentality that matches global talent. He was a great signing for the Saudi League.”
Regarding the situation of the Englishman Henderson with Al-Ettifaq Club, he replied: “He is happy, because he has nothing left to prove and he understands that. He was the captain of the Liverpool team, and he started in the Sunderland academy and worked his way until he reached the top of the best league in the world.”
Regarding Brazilian Neymar, Al Hilal player, Emenalo said: “We miss Neymar and his wonderful and brilliant talent. We would have liked to have him with us, but when you make these investments, there is always a risk of injury. This can always happen, and unfortunately, this happened to Neymar.” We are monitoring his recovery and hope that he comes back more passionate than ever and ready to prove his skill. We are in contact, and we receive regular clarifications. We know that he is committed to returning and feels personally indebted to the Kingdom and the Saudi League. He wants to return and show what he can do.”
Regarding De Gea, Emenalo said: “There is no discrimination in terms of the positions we are trying to impose. We leave that to the clubs to decide what is the urgent need for it and get it. If there is someone who wants David Gea and can afford him and is suitable, we will be very happy to bring him to the league. He is a person.” “It was presented to us, and we have available information. Discussion is a completely different matter.”
Emenalo, Sports Director of the Saudi Football League (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Regarding the league targeting great coaches, he said: “In the end, if you want to become the best league in the world, the best from CEOs to the best sports directors, the best coaches and the best players must be in your league. One of the reasons why the Premier League is considered the best is because of the arrival of these outstanding managers and coaches, and their presence has improved other younger generations of managers such as Eddie Howe. This is the goal, but we are open to welcome anyone who wants to come and perform here. The door is wide open.”
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