In a surprising statement, global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has asserted that the Saudi Pro League surpasses Major League Soccer (MLS) in terms of quality. Ronaldo’s comments come in the wake of Lionel Messi’s highly publicized transfer to Inter Miami.
Following Ronaldo’s own move to the Middle East, a number of renowned players have followed suit this summer. Among them are Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, all opting for the allure of Saudi Arabia.
Contrarily, Messi opted for a different path, unveiling his new signing with Inter Miami on Sunday evening. The Argentine World Cup winner departed Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer earlier this summer, adding yet another high-profile player to MLS.
Speaking after his team Al-Nassr suffered a 5-0 defeat to Celta Vigo in a pre-season friendly on Monday evening, Ronaldo firmly dismissed any possibility of returning to European football. He expressed his belief that the overall quality of several leagues has declined.
When questioned about a potential return to a European club, Ronaldo categorically stated, “No, that door is completely closed. I’m already 38-and-a-half years old and it’s not worth it. In my way of seeing football, I think Europe has lost a lot of quality. The only league that, for me, maintains a high level of quality superior to others is the Premier League. The Spanish league lacks that great quality. The Portuguese league is good but falls short of being a top-tier league. I believe the German league has also regressed. I’m certain I won’t play in Europe again. My desire is to compete in Saudi Arabia.”
When asked about the possibility of moving to MLS, Ronaldo expressed his opinion that the Saudi league outshines the United States league, saying, “I think the Saudi league is much better than the United States. My team is Al-Nassr.”
Notably, Ronaldo also believes that his own move to Saudi Arabia has acted as a catalyst for other European players to consider making the switch. The allure of the Middle East, combined with the financial benefits and evolving football landscape, has undoubtedly influenced the decision-making process of these high-profile stars.
Ronaldo’s candid remarks have sparked widespread discussion within the football community, with contrasting opinions emerging regarding the quality of various leagues. As the 2023-2024 football season approaches, fans around the world eagerly anticipate witnessing the impact of these high-profile transfers and the unfolding dynamics of the Saudi Pro League.
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