Ronaldo: I opened the way to Arabia for the players. I was criticised for that and now everybody comes here. The Saudi League is better than MLS

Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world this winter when he decided to leave for Saudi Arabia. Six months later, he was followed by several star footballers who also receive a royal salary. According to the Portuguese, the league is going up steeply.

Upon his return to Manchester United, big things were expected of Cristiano Ronaldo. In his first season, he was an absolute workhorse as he scored 18 goals and added 6 more in the Champions League.

But he had a falling out with Erik ten Hag in summer training and spent last autumn on the bench. So, after a sharp conversation where he criticized Manchester United, both parties agreed to terminate his contract early.

Ronaldo chose Saudi Arabia as his next destination, where he received an unimaginable salary and became the highest paid athlete in the world, earning 200 million euros per season.

After six months, other famous names follow him to the Saudi Pro League – Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, Marcelo Brozovic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Roberto Firmino and Jota. In addition, there is speculation about other names.

“I was criticized for going to Saudi Arabia, but what happened now? I opened the way and now everyone is coming here. My decision to go to Saudi Arabia was 100% crucial for other players to come. It’s a fact. When I signed at Juventus, Serie A was dead… and after I signed, it was revived. Wherever Cristiano goes, he creates more interest,” Ronaldo said in a post-match interview with reporters.

“In one year, more and more top players will come here. In a year, the Saudi League will be better than the Turkish and Dutch leagues. European football has lost a lot of quality. The only good league is the Premier League, which is miles ahead of the others,” thinks Ronaldo.

At the same time, he was asked if he would return to Europe. “I am 100% sure I will not return to European football, I want to play in Saudi Arabia,” Ronaldo closed the door to Europe. And what about MLS with Lionel Messi? “The Saudi League is better than MLS,” the Portuguese is sure.

Source: Twitter, Fabrizio Romano