Ronaldo talks up Saudi league’s competitiveness

“I am sure that in the coming years the league will be the fourth, fifth or sixth most competitive league in the world,” said Ronaldo, who moved to Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Published : Mar 23, 2023 11:18 IST - 1 MIN READ

FILE PHOTO: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
FILE PHOTO: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
infoIcon

FILE PHOTO: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Cristiano Ronaldo said he has been surprised by the level of competitiveness in the Saudi Pro League since joining Al Nassr in January.

“I think you should look at the (Saudi Pro League) in a different way,” he told reporters. “I’m not going to say that the league is a Premier League, that would be a lie. But it’s a very competitive league that I’m positively surprised by, a very balanced league and good teams. I am sure that in the coming years the league will be... the fourth, fifth or sixth most competitive league in the world,” added Ronaldo, who moved to Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth a reported 200 million euros ($214.71 million).

Ronaldo is part of the Portugal squad for its Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein later on Thursday and Luxembourg on Sunday.

The 38-year-old, who was benched by former coach Fernando Santos for its last two games at the World Cup, would make his 197th appearance for Portugal if he plays against Liechtenstein, surpassing Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa as the most capped player in men’s football.

“I like to break records, I have broken lot of records,” said Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal in 2003.

“In addition to being the best scorer ever for national teams, I was also looking to be the international player with the most caps.”

Portugal, which is now coached by Roberto Martinez, is in the same qualifying group as Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Liechtenstein.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment