Saudi Chapter: Ritigi's Bold Move, Ronaldo's Praise, and a World Cup Dream

Matteo Ritigi's Saudi Debut: A Fresh Chapter in His Career

Italian striker Matteo Ritigi, previously the top scorer in Serie A, recently joined Al-Qadsiah from Atalanta in a transfer reported around €65 million. He spoke about moving to the Saudi Pro League and embracing a new chapter, noting that the start has been positive and that he is enjoying what he has seen so far.

The player emphasized that the Saudi league is home to many talented players and that the experience is already proving valuable. In televised remarks, Ritigi stated, "Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the league, by far—what he does here is crazy."

Ritigi on Ronaldo, Goals, and Life in the Kingdom

Asked about competing for the Golden Boot, Ritigi said he must work hard and learn the league, acknowledging that last season he was Serie A's top scorer but recognizing that the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia is different. His main aim, he stressed, is to help Al-Qadsiah score goals rather than chase personal honours.

Life in Saudi Arabia Ritigi described life in the Kingdom as calm and beautiful, especially in the Eastern Province where Al-Qadsiah is based. He compared the ambiance to Argentina in some ways, but noted that in the evenings the day often feels like it ends quickly. Nevertheless, he said he is happy, has friends here, and is enjoying the local culture, including the cuisine—he has already sampled some dishes and hopes not to let it affect him negatively in the future.

Ritigi added that his love for Saudi cuisine is growing, despite not having fully explored all the options yet. He has visited a few restaurants and finds several dishes wonderful, joking that he hopes to maintain balance as he settles into life in the region.

The Road to the World Cup On the national team front, Ritigi congratulated Saudi Arabia on qualifying for the World Cup and expressed hope for Italy to make the playoffs and eventually reach the tournament. He recounted that Lionel Scaloni did not call him for Argentina, while Roberto Mancini did invite him to join Italy, and he did not want to wait any longer. He said he accepted Italy’s call immediately, emphasizing that Mancini knew his capabilities well.

Regarding the decision to join Al-Qadsiah, Ritigi explained that the coach’s enthusiasm for him played a crucial role, and that the Saudi project was a key factor. He noted that discussions with European clubs occurred, but Al-Qadsiah was more serious and decisive. He also mentioned that Gabriele Gravina, head of the Italian Football Federation, had a different view on the move, but Ritigi chose the Saudi project for its strong sincerity and the chance to contribute to a growing club.

On the competitive landscape, Ritigi stated that the Saudi league is highly competitive with several clubs having won titles. He insisted there is no single club monopoly and expressed a desire for Al-Qadsiah to qualify for Asian competitions. He was clear that the league's competitiveness requires patience and honesty about what his team can achieve this season.

Looking ahead, Ritigi highlighted that while other teams have greater resources, the key factor is the project and the coach’s belief in him. He believes joining Al-Qadsiah was the right choice, and if he could choose again, he would still pick the same club. He also expressed respect for Mancini’s decisions and reiterated that his primary goal is to help the team succeed in the Saudi league and in continental competition.

In closing, Ritigi praised Saudi Arabia as a beautiful and well-organized country, noting that life in the country has brought positive changes for him and his family. He acknowledged the warmth of the project and his optimism about what can be achieved with Al-Qadsiah, while maintaining a grounded approach about the team’s capabilities and ambitions.

Punchline time: If scoring goals were a sniper’s job, Ritigi would have a perfect headshot on every highlight reel. And in a league where Ronaldo can turn a stadium into a stage, Ritigi just turned the net into a souvenir—stick around, the show has only begun.