Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines once again as he bizarrely predicts the Saudi League to become one of the top five leagues in the world.
The Portuguese sensation joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in January after parting ways with Manchester United. The player had given a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan where he criticized the club and its management. This led to him parting ways with the club.
Ever since he joined the Saudi club Al Nassr in January, the Portuguese have helped the club and league gain widespread recognition around the world. The Saudi club had offered the star footballer a contract of 200 million euros a year that made him the world’s best-paid player.
On Monday, he scored a superb winner to help his team win a 3-2 comeback victory against Al Shabab. After the game, he made an audacious claim about the league.
What did Ronaldo say about the Saudi League?
In an interview after the game, he spoke about a lot of things. He spoke about the incredible comeback victory against Al Shabab.
🚨🚨🚨— The legend Cristiano Ronaldo:
— 1OZZiil_11 (@1OZ101) May 23, 2023
Step by step, the Saudi League becomes one of the five major leagues.pic.twitter.com/qjFEECYWjZ
“I’m very happy; it was a fantastic game. Even losing by 0-2, we always believed until the end. Congratulations to the whole team and the fans, who supported us a lot, thank you.”
He then said that the Saudi Pro League can become one of the top five best leagues in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo is predicting big things for the Saudi Pro League 🌍 pic.twitter.com/g3JTkyHTbX
— GOAL (@goal) May 24, 2023
“The Saudi Arabia league [Saudi Pro League] is improving and next [season] will be even better. Step by step, this league could be one of the ‘top five’ worldwide.”
“It needs time, infrastructure [and] players, but this country has incredible potential and incredible people. The league of Saudi Arabia will be great. I believe; it’s my opinion.”
Indeed the Saudis have big plans for their league. After Ronaldo, they are also trying to bring in new stars from Europe. Al Nassr reportedly wants to bring ex-Manchester United teammate of Ronaldo, Alex Telles to the club.
🚨🚨| Lionel Messi has now been offered €500M/season to join Al Hilal.@La_SER [🎖️] pic.twitter.com/cjIUe30x0S
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) May 19, 2023
Many stars like Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta are also rumored to be offered huge sums of money. But the biggest offer was made to Lionel Messi. He was offered 400 million euros a season to join Al Hilal. Not only is it double that of Ronaldo’s current contract at Al Nassr, but Al Hilal is also their local rival.
With this transfer, they hope to rekindle the rivalry the two had shared in the past days.
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr so far
Cristiano Ronaldo has nine victories, two draws, and four losses in all competitions in his four months with the club. The five-time winner has some right to be upset, having scored 14 goals in his 16 games. The Portuguese forward may not win any trophy at the end of the season. This could make him trophyless for the second season in a row.
Ronaldo had his second cup exit of the season when Al Wehda beat Al Nassr 1-0. This was in the King Cup of Champions semi-finals. Additionally, he was already eliminated from the Saudi Super Cup in January. And now his club is three points behind league leaders Al Ittihad.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also had some negative incidents on the pitch. He performed a harsh tackle on an opposition player earning him some mockery from fans. And also apparently did an indecent gesture towards rival fans.
The striker is also facing some off-the-field problems. He was recently seen in a hospital where his daughter was undergoing surgery. He is also reportedly facing problems in his relationship with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.
There are also rumors that the forward now wants to leave the club and return to Europe next season. Though his recent comments about the league suggest otherwise.
Al Nassr will next face Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League next Sunday. Ronaldo will hope to score again and help his team win the game.
