Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League in January 2023 raised a few eyebrows. In that infamous interview with Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo had his contract terminated by Manchester United for speaking ill of the club and its manager.
After having his agent search for a new club for months, the former Real Madrid superstar settled for an offer from Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia caused quite a stir when it happened. Many people thought he would continue to ply his trade in Europe but were shocked when he chose to play in a less-competitive Saudi Pro League.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has come out to justify his move to the Middle East, claiming his decision has paved the way for other big-name players to join several Saudi clubs since his move in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo Compares the Saudi Pro League to the Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated unveiling at Inter Miami on Sunday. Messi was unveiled as the club’s new no. 10 alongside Sergio Busquets, bringing a global interest to the MLS as the league continues to grow. Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has come out to claim that the Saudi Pro League is way ahead of the MLS in terms of quality and competitiveness.
“They criticized me for coming to the Saudi League, but what happened now? I opened the way, and now all the players are coming here,” Cristiano Ronaldo said in a recent interview. His statement is quite understandable, as many big-name players have followed him to the Middle East following his January move to Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo: “In one year, more & more top players will come to Saudi” 🇸🇦
“In a year Saudi league will overtake the Turkish league and Dutch league”.
“Players who arrived aren’t like what the president of the European Union said”.
“Jota & Ruben Neves are young players”. pic.twitter.com/LeAdyUwliW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
Fresh from winning the Ballon d’Or, Karim Benzema left Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad on a bumper contract. N’golo Kante joined Benzema’s new club weeks after his contract expired at Chelsea. Surprisingly, the league has also seen some players in their prime move to the Saudi League, something Ronaldo hasn’t hesitated to point out. “Players who arrived aren’t like what the president of the European Union said. Jota and Ruben Neves are young,” the Portuguese said in defense of the Saudi League.
Cristiano Ronaldo Shuts Down Speculations of Europe, US Return
Many football fans are hopeful Ronaldo will see out his playing career in Europe, but the former Manchester United man has now put those rumors to bed. “The Saudi League is better than the MLS. Now all the players are coming here … In one year, more top players will come to Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo said unequivocally, backing his earlier claims about his impact on the Saudi League.
🚨⛔️ Cristiano Ronaldo: "I won't return to European football, the door is completely closed".
"I'm 38 years old, also European football has lost lot of quality… only valid one is Premier League, they're way ahead of all the other leagues". pic.twitter.com/czxco9PzlM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
When pressed about his decision not to return to European football, Ronaldo said, “I won’t return to European football. The door is completely closed. I am 38 years old, also European football has lost a lot of quality.”
Should Ronaldo see his playing career in the Saudi Pro League as the man who changed the face of the league forever? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.
