Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Al-Nasr Club, praised the level of the Saudi Roshen league, expecting it to enter the world’s top five leagues in the near future. Fabrizio Romano, a journalist who is interested in player transfers around the world, via his personal Twitter account, transmitted statements Ronaldo at a press conference he held. Ronaldo, on the occasion of his arrival to the national team, in preparation for the matches against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in the European Cup 2024 qualifiers.
Ronaldo, 38, joined Al Nasr in the winter transfer window after Manchester United terminated his contract by mutual agreement ahead of the start of the 2022 World Cup.
So far, Ronaldo has played in the winning jersey in 10 matches in various competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing two assists.
Ronaldo said during a press conference: “The Saudi Arabian League is very competitive. The Roshen league is not like the English Premier League. I’m not going to lie, but this league surprised me.”
Ronaldo added: “I am amazed. Foreign players have different abilities. And in 5, 6 or 7 years, if they continue with the current plan, the Saudi league will be the fourth or fifth in the world.”
Ronaldo is sixth in the Saudi League’s top scorers list this season with nine goals, six goals behind leader Abdul Razzaq Hamdallah, the Al Ittihad striker whose team tops the table, one point behind Al Nasr, who is in second place.
Ronaldo sadly recalled his recent experience with Manchester United, saying: “Manchester United…? When we’re on top of a mountain, we often don’t see what’s below.”
The Portuguese star added: “I went through a bad stage in my professional career and it’s not hard for me to admit it… but life goes on, I knew real friends in that difficult moment.”
Yesterday, Thursday, Ronaldo played his country in an exceptional match against Liechtenstein in the European qualification for Euro 2024 and became the most involved player at the national level.