In a recent statement, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirmed the growth and development of the Saudi Arabian league, particularly since his move there. “I will not return to the European football environment; that chapter is completely closed,” Ronaldo replied on his first day back at Al Nassr, preparing for the new season. “I am 38 years old, and although European football is of high quality, there is only one truly strong league, the Premier League. They are always ahead of any other league…
The Saudi league is more attractive than the MLS. My decision to join the Saudi league is 100% contributing to bringing quality players here. That’s the truth. Within just one year, many talented players have come here, and the Saudi league will soon surpass leagues like Turkey or the Netherlands. The players who come here are not what European club presidents say. Jota and Ruben Neves are both very young players…
When I joined Juventus, Serie A was considered dead, and then they revived. Wherever Cristiano goes, the allure of the league is enhanced.”
In his first match back at Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates suffered a crushing 0-5 defeat against Celta Vigo. Prior to that, the Saudi Arabian team had played two friendly matches, securing victories against Alverca (2-0) and Farense (5-1), but without CR7. In the loss to Celta Vigo, Al Nassr also welcomed new signing Marcelo Brozovic, who recently moved from Inter Milan.
As Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned, the Saudi Pro League has recruited many talented players recently, such as Kante, Mendy, Firmino, Benzema, Henderson, among others. On the other hand, Lionel Messi, despite receiving an offer to join a club in this league, decided to move to Inter Miami in the MLS.
