Ivan Toney has made it clear that his move to the Saudi Pro League is not about idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo but rather about surpassing him in performance and goal-scoring.
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The England international joined Al Ahli from Brentford over the summer and is determined to make his mark in the league, where he has already scored three goals in six appearances.
Al Ahli’s season has been challenging, with the team securing only three wins from their first eight league matches.
Despite this rocky start, Toney remains ambitious and is keen on outperforming Al Nassr’s Ronaldo in terms of both goals and league standing.
In a statement to talkSPORT, Toney remarked, “I always set targets for myself and hopefully I can hit them. I know you’re probably going to ask me what my target is, but it doesn’t come out. It only comes out when I hit it come the end of the season.”
On the subject of Ronaldo, Toney emphasized his focus on his own game, stating, “I don’t watch what other people are doing. Obviously we know Ronaldo is a top player, but I’ll concentrate on myself and do what I can do best.
It’s all good coming up against these players, but we’re not here to idolize them; we’re here to beat them.”
Ronaldo, who finished last season as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 35 goals, sets a high benchmark for Toney, who aims to prove his capabilities in the league.
Toney also expressed his hopes of maintaining his position in future England squads, noting that he has not received any indications that his move would hinder his chances. “I’m only in control of what I can do on the pitch.
If that’s the case, that they see me coming here is damaging my chances, then I can’t really change that. But all I can do is focus on myself and play well, and who knows what can happen,” he said.
As Toney continues to chase his goals, his rivalry with Ronaldo adds an exciting dynamic to his tenure in the Saudi Pro League.
