Cristiano Ronaldo says the Saudi Pro league could become one of the most important football competitions in the world.
The former Real Madrid, Juventus, Sporting Lisbon and Man Utd star joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia on a two-and-a-half season deal worth a reported $214m a year.
With the Saudi league on a mid-season break for international football Ronaldo has met up with the Portugal squad ahead of possible games against Liechtenstein on Thursday and Luxembourg on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi claims
Speaking to reporters the football icon revealed his surprise at the high standard of football in Saudi Arabia.
“I feel really good. That’s why I’m here. If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t be. I’m in a very competitive league. They should look at the Saudi championship differently.
“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.
Ronaldo added his belief that the league could become one of the world’s premier leagues if development and attracting top players continues.
“I am sure that in the coming years the league will be … the fourth, fifth or sixth most competitive league in the world”.
Should Ronaldo make it onto the pitch in either game he would break the world record for the most capped men’s player in international football.
Currently tied with Bader Al Mutawa of Kuwait, Ronaldo will have the most appearances for his home country if he plays one more game and makes it onto the pitch for the 197th time.
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