Al-Ahli’s Roberto Firmino believes the Saudi Pro League is no walk in the park and aims to end the season on a high note.
Firmino marked his arrival in Jeddah with a hat-trick on his debut to help Al-Ahli overcome newly-promoted Al-Hazm 3-1 in their opening game of the season.
The Brazilian’s momentum was halted as he sustained a minor injury that kept him out of action against Al-Khaleej in the second round before returning a week later.
After a run of games in Al-Ahli colours, Firmino praised the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League and vowed to help the club win their first title since 2016.
“The Saudi Pro League is very strong and competitive. It also has so many world-class players,” Firmino told Brazilian reporters via Al-Yaum. “We want to finish the season as champions.
“Al-Ahli fans are incredible, and I really want to give back to them. My goal is to write history and hopefully be part of the Brazilian national team once again.”
The 31-year-old was part of Al-Ahli’s summer transfer business as he moved to Saudi Arabia along with Franck Kessie, Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral, Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Gabriel Veiga for nearly £200 million.
Despite that, their 100% league record came to an end before the international break after suffering a shocking 5-1 defeat to Al-Fateh in the fifth round last week.
Towering defender Demiral is also set to miss their next three games after receiving a straight red card late in the game in added time.
The Jeddah giants will hope to turn around their form next week as they host in-form Al-Taawoun on Saturday, September 16th.