Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever to grace the game. His career spans over two decades. The Portuguese superstar has broken numerous records to claim his place as the G.O.A.T. With over 800 career goals and counting, Ronaldo is one of the most lethal marksmen in soccer. He is the all-time record international goal scorer with 118 strikes and boasts of being the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League (140).
Photo Cred: LA Times
Cristiano Ronaldo has embraced the competitive challenge offered by Saudi Arabia’s football scene over the allure of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. After a recent friendly loss with his team, Al-Nassr addressed the media, expressing his firm decision not to return to Europe, where he starred at clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Despite the buzz surrounding Lionel Messi’s move to the MLS, Ronaldo believes that Saudi Arabia offers a more intense and competitive football environment.
When asked whether a move to the MLS could be on the cards, Ronaldo said, “No because in Arabia, the competition is much better than in the United States. I want to play in Arabia.”
Photo Cred: Rolling Stone
The 38-year-old forward made a lucrative move to Al-Nassr in December, reportedly earning a staggering $200 million per year. Since his arrival, other notable footballers, such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, have also signed deals with the Middle Eastern league, further enhancing its reputation on the global stage. Ronaldo reflected on his storied career, voicing his concerns about the declining quality of football in Europe.
He said, “I am 38 and a half, and it’s not worth it because my view of football is that in Europe, it’s lost a lot of quality. The only league in the world for me that has quality, that is a level superior to the others is the Premier League. I think the Spanish league does not have great quality, the Portuguese league is good, but not a superior league in my opinion. The German league also I believe has lost a lot. So, I can say that I won’t be returning to Europe.”
Photo Cred: Manchester Evening News
While his decision to leave the highly competitive European football scene might surprise some, Ronaldo firmly believes that the Saudi Pro League offers him the ideal platform to continue his illustrious career. Embracing new challenges and opportunities, he hopes to impact the footballing world while playing in Arabia.
