Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday he believes the Saudi Pro League is better and “more competitive” than the French top flight, Ligue 1.
The Al-Nassr superstar, who was speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, was honored as the Best Goal scorer of the Year and Fans’ Favorite Player of the past 12 months at the glitzy ceremony. The occasion was Dubai’s Globe Soccer Awards at Atlantis which rolled out the red carpet for the who’s who of football, including Manchester City’s Norwegian phenomenon Erling Haaland.
He said:
“To be honest, I think the Saudi league is not worse than (the) French league, in my opinion.
In the French league I think you have two, three teams at a good level. In Saudi, now I think it’s more competitive. (People) can say whatever they want, it’s just my opinion and I’ve played there one year so I know what I’m talking about.
“But I think right now we are better than the French league; we can still improve.”
The Portuguese striker joined the Saudi club from Premier League Manchester United last year in a deal reportedly worth over $200 million. He had a stellar goalscoring year with the Riyadh giants and for his country in 2023.
He added:
“I was the best goal scorer this season. Imagine beating young animals like Erling Haaland. I’m proud, and I’ll be 39 soon.
I like when people doubt me and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.”
Ronaldo shows no sign of slowing down and remains positive about continuing playing amid talk of possible retirement.
He said:
“At the moment when I finish I don’t know, to be honest. Of course, it will be soon. By soon, I mean 10 years more. I’m just joking. I don’t know; let’s see.”
Haaland, 23, was a toddler when Ronaldo made his professional debut for Sporting Lisbon in 2002, a year before making a move to Manchester United. In these two decades, Ronaldo rewrote the record books in world football. Now, at 38 this Portuguese icon is still scoring goals for fun at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Finally, the man perceived as arrogant offered great advice for youngsters.
“Belief, hard work and application,” he said when asked about the three key elements needed in aspiring footballers.
“And listen to people who know more than you, who have more experience!”
