Roberto Firmino featured for Al Ahli among other ex-Premier League stars
Fans have been left shocked by the “Sunday League” conditions Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli played in.
After a summer of big-spending, Al Ahli have significantly bolstered their squad which contains the likes of Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.
As one of the four big clubs now under the majority ownership of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the Gulf Kingdom has sent seismic shockwaves through the world of football, attracting other big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the last six months.
Like many others, Al Ahli have been preparing for the new season with a number of friendlies and their most recent fixture saw them take on Austrian second tier side USV Stuhlfelden as Firmino made his debut.
While many have heard nothing but tales of an endless pot of money, fans have been left surprised by the choice of stadium for Al Ahli’s latest game.
One person tweeted: “Played on better pitches on a Sunday morning.”
A second said: “I’ve seen bigger Sunday League grounds.”
“Looks like a year 11 away day pitch,” wrote a third.
Despite that, Firmino and Al Ahli had no problem in their run-out, winning 18-0. Firmino himself scored twice but once he returns to league action he will find himself in a much bigger venue.
His new side play their home games at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, which has a capacity of 62,345, roughly 8,000 seats more than Anfield.
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