Cristiano Ronaldo stated that the Saudi Professional League is already one of many prime 5 leagues on this planet, after the Portuguese worldwide renewed his contract with Al Nassr.
The Saudi Professional League membership introduced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract that might hold him on the membership previous his forty second birthday.
“In fact, we [the Saudi Pro League] are nonetheless enhancing however I consider that on this second that we’re in prime 5 [leagues in the world] already. I nonetheless consider that we are going to proceed to enhance, and now we have time and now we have proven within the final two years that the league goes up on a regular basis,” Ronaldo stated in a video posted by Al Nassr on X.
“I’m completely satisfied as a result of I do know that the league may be very aggressive. Solely the individuals who have by no means performed in Saudi, they do not perceive nothing about soccer say this league will not be prime 5 [in the world].
“I consider 100% in my phrases, and the folks that play on this league they know what I’m speaking about.”
Ronaldo additionally embraced Saudi Arabia as host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“That is why I wish to keep, as a result of I consider within the challenge — not simply the subsequent two years however till 2034, which would be the World Cup in Saudi Arabia. I consider, too, that would be the most stunning [World Cup] ever.”
The Portugal captain added that his intention in staying at Al Nassr was to win a significant trophy with the Riyadh-based aspect after failing to land silverware since arriving on the finish of 2022.
“My objective, it is all the time to win one thing essential for Al Nassr. And naturally I nonetheless consider in that” Ronaldo added.
“That is why I renewed the 2 years extra as a result of I consider that I can be a champion in Saudi Arabia”.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United, has scored 93 objectives in 105 appearances for them in all competitions.
Ronaldo can be eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his profession. He has scored 794 objectives in membership soccer and 138 for Portugal to take his tally to 932.
Previous to signing his new deal, hypothesis over the 40-year-old’s plans intensified final month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated discussions had been underway about Ronaldo enjoying within the Membership World Cup, regardless of Al Nassr failing to qualify.
Nonetheless, he stated most well-liked to take a relaxation quite than play within the revamped match in america.
“I had some gives to play within the World Cup however I believe it did not make sense as a result of I choose to have an excellent relaxation, an excellent preparation, as a result of this season can be very lengthy as it’s the World Cup season on the finish of the 12 months,” he stated.
“I wish to be prepared not just for Al Nassr but in addition for the nationwide staff. So, for this reason I made a decision to play the final recreation for the Nations League and never hearken to something,” he added.
“And naturally, to be on this membership, which I really like”.
Ronaldo scored for Portugal within the Nations League ultimate in opposition to Spain earlier this month, with the sport ending 2-2 earlier than his aspect went on to beat the European champions on penalties.
Data from Reuters was used on this report.