Cristiano Ronaldo praises the quality of the Saudi Pro League as Al-Nassr star claims ‘the level is higher than Ligue 1’ a year after his blockbuster £175m move.

Cristiano Ronaldo lauds the quality of the Saudi Pro League, stating that the Al-Nassr star “reaches a higher level than Ligue 1”

SHENZHEN, CHINA – JANUARY 23: Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press briefing on January 23, 2024 in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province of China. Two friendly matches in China have been postponed as Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury. (Photo by An Lingjun/CHINASPORTS/VCG via Getty Images)

one year after his £175 million transfer.While Cristiano Ronaldo asserts that the Saudi Pro League is superior to Ligue 1 in France, achieving the ‘highest’ level will require a considerable amount of time.As a result of these elite players and the existing infrastructure, the Portuguese superstar has stated that he considers the league to be superior to that of France.

The Al Nassr forward discussed his thoughts during a question-and-answer segment on Friday at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.Since December 2022, when he joined Al Nassr in the Saudi League, Ronaldo has spoken positively about his time in the Middle East.

Sao Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Neymar were among the luminaries who traveled to Saudi Arabia this summer. Regarding his relocation to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo stated, “I believed it would be in my best interest.” Why not grant another nation a chance?

“Why not, with my football and my passion, effect mentality change?” I am able to accomplish that.

While not displaying arrogance, I did say that a year ago. Everything undergoes change, including the soccer landscape and its governing regulations.

Thus, I believe that my move was a wise one. I am extremely pleased. There, many athletes relocated. Currently, nutritionists, coaches, and directors are relocating there.

Further discussing the future of the league, the 38-year-old even speculated that it might become one of the preeminent competitions globally.

“The Saudis are undergoing a lengthy process, but we will ascend to the highest level step by step.”

It is my conviction that they will rank among the top three or four globally. It is my belief that we will eventually arrive at that.

“The level at the moment?” In all honesty, I do not consider the Saudi league to be inferior to the French league. In the French division, there are, in my opinion, two to three teams of respectable caliber. “I believe it is more competitive in Saudi Arabia.”They are free to express whatever they desire. This is merely my opinion, but having spent a year playing there, I am certain of my assessment.

‘However, I believe we are currently superior to the French league.’

With twenty goals in eighteen appearances, Ronaldo is the current league leader in scoring, and he received three awards at the ceremony.

The 38-year-old legend also led all players in goals scored during the previous season with 54 for his club country. In recognition of his accomplishment, he was presented with the Globe Soccer Maradona Award for the most goals scored in a calendar year. Nevertheless, Men’s greatest Player was awarded to Erling Haaland, contrary to Ronaldo’s assertion that he was “the best goalscorer.”