Cristiano Ronaldo said on Monday that the Saudi Pro League is “better” than MLS and that European football has “lost a lot of its quality.”
After his club Al Nassr lost 5-0 to La Liga’s Celta Vigo during a pre-season friendly in his native Portugal, Ronaldo spoke with reporters and ruled out returning to Europe or following fellow superstar Lionel Messi to the United States.
The 38-year-old Ronaldo also suggested the Portuguese league is “good but it’s not at the top.”
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January after his return to Manchester United came to a tumultuous end. The five-time Ballon d’Or award winner is reportedly earning €200 million per year in the Saudi Pro League.
Since Ronaldo signed with Al Nassr, other high-profile players such as Karim Benzema, Marcelo Brozovic and N’Golo Kante have joined Saudi clubs as well.
Ronaldo’s comments came one day after Inter Miami formally introduced Messi to the club.
Messi, who guided Argentina to the World Cup last year and is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, signed a deal through the 2025 season.