Incredible credibility: Super Eagles icon Mikel Obi celebrates Ronaldo's impact in Saudi on his birthday

Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 40th birthday today, and former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi took the opportunity to discuss the Portuguese superstar's significant impact on the Saudi Pro League during a recent podcast episode. 

In a conversation with fellow ex-Chelsea player Michael Emenalo, who serves as the first director of football for the Saudi league, Mikel highlighted how Ronaldo's presence has elevated the league's credibility.

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In a video shared on YouTube, Emenalo remarked, “As being narrated by people who don’t want to believe it... I think he brings incredible credibility to the league because he’s saying to everyone ‘I am okay here, I am okay living and playing here. The food, the culture is amazing.’” 

This statement shows Ronaldo's role in promoting Saudi Arabia as a competitive destination for top-tier football.

Ronaldo's birthday coincided with his impressive performance on the pitch, as he recently scored his 23rd goal across all competitions for Al Nassr. 

He has netted a remarkable total of 87 goals for the club since joining in January 2023 after an acrimonious exit from Manchester United, contributing to his all-time tally of 923 goals for club and country. 

His continued success at this stage of his career has sparked discussions about his legacy and influence in football.

Mikel Obi's reflections on Ronaldo’s impact come at a time when the Saudi Pro League is gaining international attention, partly due to high-profile signings like Ronaldo. 

While Emenalo and Mikel continue their journeys in football after retirement, Ronaldo's milestone birthday serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and influence on the sport.