JEDDAH: The renowned Purtagese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that the Saudi Pro League (SPL) is better than Major League Soccer (MLS) in terms of quality.
This statement comes in the wake of Lionel Messi’s high-profile move to Major League Soccer, joining Inter Miami. Ronaldo’s statement has stirred up a global debate about the comparative merits of the two big leagues.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the SPL, gave this statement following his team’s 5-0 loss to La Liga’s Celta Vigo in Portugal. The Portuguese footballer was unequivocal in his assessment, saying that the Saudi league has surpassed MLS. He further credited himself for clearing the way for other players to join the SPL.
Ronaldo’s landmark deal
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in December last year was a landmark event for the SPL. The agreement, reportedly worth more than 200 million dollars per season, marked the arrival of one of the most celebrated footballers of the world in Kingdom. After Ronaldo, several other high-ranking players, including Marcelo Brozovic, N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and Roberto Firmino have followed suit, strengthening the league’s international reputation.
Ronaldo seems content with his decision to play in the Kingdom. The football icon rejected the idea of returning to Europe, saying that he was 100 per cent sure that he would not return to any European club.
