Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his confidence in Saudi Arabia's ability to host the best FIFA World Cup in history during a recent visit to the Kingdom. According to a press release from the Saudi 2034 bid committee, the global superstar, who now plays for Riyadh-based Al Nassr, is optimistic about the tournament's potential.
Saudi Arabia was officially confirmed as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup by FIFA on Wednesday. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, believes the plans laid out by the Saudi bid committee have set the stage for an extraordinary event. "The 2034 World Cup will probably be the best World Cup ever. After what I've seen today, I'm convinced that it will be amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans, the airports, and everything else, it's amazing," Ronaldo said.
The former Real Madrid striker also commended Saudi Arabia's success in hosting major sports events, including Formula One races. "The future (in Saudi Arabia) is very bright in my opinion, not only for the World Cup, but because every year they host big events here – football matches, boxing; the quality of entertainment is very high. The country is unbelievable. The Saudis are very good people; they like to learn, which for me is very important," he added.
During his visit to the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup bid exhibition in Riyadh, Ronaldo also interacted with a group of aspiring young Saudi footballers. "One or two of the kids I met today could play in the World Cup – we don't know, but I hope so. I will motivate them to work hard and believe in that," Ronaldo said, emphasizing the bid's tagline, "Growing. Together." "It's beautiful, because it's what we all have to do. We have to grow together in everything, not just in football, but in everything in life," he concluded.
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