Author: Soorya G
Legendary Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo welcomed the other big players from Saudi Arabia to the Pro League, saying that their presence would increase the quality of the league, which he said was “highly competitive”, and praised the large number of talented Arab players who have made a name for themselves in the league. Ronaldo expressed his happiness that several big names are being linked to Saudi Pro League clubs and added that this will contribute greatly to the growth of the sport in Asia.
In recent weeks, several major stars, including the only three Ballon d’Or holders of this era, have been linked with moves to the Pro League. According to reports, Ronaldo’s former teammate Karim Benzema is close to agreeing a deal with Al-Ittihad, while maestro Lionel Messi has received an offer of US$400 million a year from Al-Hilal. The great midfielder Luka Modric has also been strongly linked with some Saudi Arabian clubs, although the Croatian has decided to remain at Real Madrid, at least until next year.
“If they come, big players and big names, young players, ‘old players’, they will be very welcome because, if that happens, the league will improve a little. The league is very good, but I think we still have a lot of opportunities to grow. The league is competitive. We have very good teams, very good Arab players. But they need to improve their infrastructure a little more. Even the referees, the VAR system, should be a bit quicker.” said Ronaldo.
However, Ronaldo also mentioned some aspects that need to be improved, such as the soccer infrastructure and the technological side of the game, fulfilling what the Saudi Pro League could challenge to become one of the best in the world.
“I think there are other small things that need to be improved. But I’m happy here, I want to stay here, I’m going to stay here. And in my opinion, if they continue to do the job they want to do here, in the next five years, I think the Saudi league could be one of the five best leagues in the world“, concluded the idol.