"Saudi Pro League is better than MLS"- Cristiano

Ace forward Cristiano Ronalo made a bold statement on Monday claiming that the Saudi Pro League “is better” than MLS and that he has no plans to move to the United States or return to European football. 

The Al Nassr striker said this whilst addressing the media after playing the first 45 minutes of Al Nassr’s 5-0 preseason drubbing to Laliga side Celta Vigo. 

“The Saudi league is better than MLS,” the veteran said when asked about competing in the US like his former Spanish rival Lionel Messi, who was introduced as an Inter Miami CF player on Sunday.

A number of distinguished players such as Karim Benzema, Marcelo Brozovic, N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino have already followed Ronaldo’s trail and bagged lucrative deals in the Saudi Pro League this summer. Former Nerazzurri player Brozovic was on the field with the Portuguese star on Monday after joining Al Nassr earlier this month. 

“In one year, more and more top players will come to Saudi. In a year the Saudi league will overtake the Turkish league and Dutch league," Ronaldo added.

The top goal scorer of all time is heading into his first complete season with Al Nassr since joining the club in January following a rancorous departure after his second stint at Old Trafford.

He also said his days of playing in Europe are over and that he believes the level of play has dropped significantly in recent years.

“I'm 100 percent sure I won't return to any European club," Ronaldo said. "I'm 38 years old. And European football has lost a lot of quality. The only valid one and still doing good is the Premier League. They're way ahead of all the other leagues."

The game was also coach Rafa Benitez’s first game in charge at Celta Vigo, who was hired by the Spanish club in June following a dismal performance in La Liga last season.

Al Nassr will play their second friendly on Thursday crossing swords with domestic champions Benfica. 

“The plan was for me to play 45 minutes today," Ronaldo said. "Against Benfica, I might play 60 or 70 minutes. It is better to fine-tune the machine little by little to reach the best form."