Cristiano the big factor for him to reject two big clubs in the Premier

The Saudi Pro League has become the new eldorado for the biggest stars of European football. Many renowned players have packed their bags to move to the Middle East, and one of them who was recently rumored could return to Europe, has decided to close the door to the Premier League giants, preferring to continue his adventure in Saudi Arabia.

Despite being in the orbit of Newcastle or Manchester United, Ruben Neves decided to leave European football to head to Saudi Al-Hilal. At 26 years old, the Portuguese was part of the first major signing of a young star, followed later by other footballers such as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic or Gabri Veiga.

The Portugal international had been linked with a return to the Premier League in the upcoming winter transfer window. English media claim that both Arsenal and Newcastle would be interested in hiring him for the second part of the season. However, Ruben Neves wanted to clarify the situation regarding the alleged links with Newcastle and Arsenal.

I'm not leaving. I am very happy here, my family is very happy. I think these are rumors because of the club owners, and of course, I also played in England, Newcastle were interested in me before I came here, Ruben Neves told the BBC. This makes it clear that Al Hilal's current number 8 has no intention of leaving the Saudi Pro League.

The role of Cristiano Ronaldo

Indeed, it was Ronaldo who paved the way for a great migration of European stars to the Saudi championship. His high-profile transfer from Man Utd to Al Nassr has played a key role in putting the spotlight on this league that until now was undervalued. Among the big names that followed the Portuguese is Ruben Neves, the former Wolverhampton midfielder and compatriot of Ronaldo, who has now defended the colors of Al Hilal since last summer.