Former Roma defender Roger Ibanez is excited about his move Al-Ahli.

While admitting the money was an attraction, the Brazil international also highlighted the excitement around the Saudi Pro League.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I wanted another challenge. I was among the last to arrive in the SPL and the fact that I was preceded by so many great names made me think that the Saudi Pro League has the technical and economic potential to become a major league.

"Today in my team there were three players who won the Champions League, and not just years ago: Firmino, Mendy and Mahrez, the reigning champion. This is going to be a great championship for me, and I'm happy to be here from the start."

On his contract, Ibanez said: "It's clear, it's normal. But there's more. Or at least this is my impression. Did you see the atmosphere during the match? Spectacular. And we've already talked about the Champions League. There are great teams, very popular. And I'll add one thing: the important thing is to play football in a competitive environment and here I think it will be like this."