Cristiano Ronaldo reckons Saudi Arabia’s Pro League is better than America’s Major League Soccer.
The 38-year-old’s claim come hours after his long term rival, Lionel Messi, opted to join MLS side Inter Miami.
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Messi swapped Europe for a new adventure Stateside, where he has linked up with David Beckham’s side on a deal until the end of 2025.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, opted to make a switch to the Middle East last January after having contract ripped up at Manchester United.
Asked about a possible move to the MLS in the future, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I think the Saudi league is much better than the United States.”
Messi was unveiled to a packed out stadium, who braved torrential rain to see the World Cup winner hold the no.10 shirt.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
Messi was wanted by Saudi clubs but decided against moving there, while Ronaldo’s presence in the Gulf nation has since sparked a flurry of high-profile players making the move this summer.
Marcelo Brozovic has joined him at Al Nassr from Inter Milan, while Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves and Roberto Firmino have signed for rival clubs.
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Speaking to the media after his side’s 5-0 pre-season defeat against Celta Vigo, Ronaldo took credit for the influx of star quality in his division.
Commenting on him being the catalyst for others to make the move to Saudi Arabia, he stated: “100 per cent. It’s a fact.”
He added: “I opened the way to the Saudi league, and now all the players are coming here.
“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.”
