Ronaldo: If you continue to work hard in the next five years, the Saudi League can become the top five leagues in the world

2023-06-02 13:39

Ronaldo: If you continue to work hard in the next five years, the Saudi League can become the top five leagues in the world

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo says the Saudi Pro League could become a "top five league in the world" if it attracts more big-name players.


Messi, Benzema and Modric have all been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, while Ronaldo , 38, says they are "very welcome" to join.


The five-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Riyadh Victory in December and has completed his first season with the team. He has a contract until 2025, adding that he will remain here for next season.


Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Messi will leave the club this summer, with the Argentine striker, 35, also serving as tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia.


Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammates Benzema and Luka Modric are also rumored to be eyeing lucrative late-career moves.


"If they come, big players, big players, young players, veteran players, they are all very welcome because if that happens, the league will improve," Ronaldo told the Saudi Pro League.


"The league is very good but I think we still have a lot of opportunities to continue to grow. The league is very competitive and we have very good teams and Arab players. But they need to improve the infrastructure further. Even the referees and the VAR system should be faster Some."


The only player to score in five World Cups, he scored 14 goals in 16 appearances as Riyadh finished the season as runners-up to champions Al Hilal .


Ronaldo said: "I think there are other small details that need to be improved, but I am very happy here, I want to continue to stay here, I will continue to stay here. In my opinion, if they continue to work hard in the next five years, I am very happy. I think the Saudi league can become a top five league in the world."