25 May 2023 , 09:41
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Cristiano Ronaldo has doubled down on claims that the Saudi league could be among the best in the world, whilst dropping an intriguing hint on his future.
The Portuguese forward made the move to the Gulf state back in December following his explosive exit from Manchester United. He put pen to paper on a £173m-per-year contract with Al-Nassr and has enjoyed a bright start to life with the club.
In 18 appearances, Ronaldo has scored 14 goals. His latest strike ensured that Al-Nassr kept themselves in contention for the Saudi title as he scored the winner in a 3-2 comeback victory against Al-Shabab.
Speaking after the dramatic victory, the Portuguese forward said: “We are so happy, the team do a fantastic game. 2-0 is very, very difficult but we believe until the end and we score three goals so congratulations to the whole team and the supporters were amazing today, so we are very happy.”
Ronaldo was then asked about his thoughts on the Saudi league just a few months into his Al-Nassr career and has suggested that it can rival even the Premier League, whilst hinting that he will stay in the country next season.
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The veteran forward added: “We are much better. In my opinion, the Saudi League is getting better. Next year will be even better.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal against Al-Shabab earlier this week (Getty Images)Do you think Ronaldo could return to Europe this summer? Share your thoughts in the predictions below
“Step by step I think this league will be in the top five leagues in the world but they need time, they need players, they need infrastructure but I believe that this country has amazing potential. They have amazing people and the league will be great in my opinion.”
Ronaldo was previously linked with a swift exit from Al-Nassr earlier this year with claims suggesting that he wanted to return to former club Real Madrid. Whilst the Spanish giants were willing to facilitate an emotional reunion, it would only have been on an ambassadorial basis.
Ronaldo still has two years left to run on the contract that he signed with Al-Nassr. Should he stay, then he could potentially be competing with long-term rival Lionel Messi before long.
The Argentine is set to leave PSG at the end of his contract this summer. Former club Barcelona remain linked with a move that would see Messi return to the Camp Nou.
A move to Saudi Arabia remains an option though with previous reports suggesting the World Cup winner was in talks regarding a deal that would see him earn £320m per year. Messi already holds a tourism ambassadorial role in the country, with an unsanctioned trip earlier this year seeing him suspended by PSG.