Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard has highlighted the role that Al-Nassr's striker Cristiano Ronaldo played in attracting talents to the Saudi Pro League.
The English manager took over at Al-Ettifaq in the summer, whereas, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr at the beginning of the year.
Gerrard spoke about the 38-year-old to SPL's official website and said: “I think when the best in history, Cristiano Ronaldo, arrived in January, it was a big deal. He still has a lot to offer football. After the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, within five or six months, we saw the popularity of the League increasing and other renowned players moved to Saudi Arabia.
"There is a difference between the championship before and after Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival, that is clear, and I was also very happy with Al-Ettifaq's invitation to be able to develop here as a coach, something that I really love.
"It's part of my job."
The Portuguese icon is SPL's top goalscorer with 13 goals in 12 matches.
