Cristiano Ronaldo has already told the football world that he believes the Saudi Professional League is stronger than most European football divisions.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend, 39, has been based in Saudi Arabia since the January 2023 transfer window. Two years after Ronaldo moved to the Middle East after United ripped up his contract following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
It has been reported that the 27-year-old has turned down three approaches from the mega-rich country, including some offers reportedly in the range of £35 million a year. Rashford has not featured for Ruben Amorim since United's 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 7, but was in the squad for the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United.
Nevertheless, Rashford still appears ready for the exit door after making it clear he is keen for a new challenge. Amid divisional links, Ronaldo's comments about the Saudi Pro League speak volumes.
A few days before Rashford's situation at United became uncertain, Ronaldo told the Globe Soccer Awards: “The Saudi League is of course better than Ligue 1. France only has PSG. The rest is done. Try to sprint in 38, 39 , 40.” degree again and behold.”
Before these comments, he also added: “To be honest, I don't think the Saudi League is worse than the French league in my opinion. [the] French league I think you have two, three teams with a good level.
“In Saudi Arabia now I think it's more competitive. They can say whatever they want, it's just my opinion and I played there for a year so I know what I'm talking about. But I think at the moment we be better than [the] French league, we are still improving.
“We have very good teams, very good Arab players, but the infrastructure still needs to improve a little. Even the referees, the VAR system, should be a little faster. But I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here .”
Like Ronaldo, players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Neymar and many more European football stars have flocked to the division. In another message to players like Rashford, who are big stars still in their prime, Ronaldo also said: “If they come, big players and big names, young players, 'old players', they are very welcome . happens, the competition will improve a bit.
Ronaldo's comments are also particularly interesting as Rashford has been repeatedly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The left winger has previously been compared to ex-PSG hero Kylian Mbappé, who left the club last summer to join Real Madrid.
Although Rashford's future is uncertain, he still has a contract with United worth a reported £300,000 per week, which does not expire until the summer of 2028. This season he has scored seven goals and three assists in 24 games in all competitions.
Nevertheless, Amorim's preference for a 3-4-3 formation has seen Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho selected in the inside-forward positions ahead of the former England international. Rashford was reinstated in United's squad for the first time in three games on Monday, but Amorim did not introduce him from the bench.
Asked if he was trying to send a message to Rashford, the former Sporting Lisbon manager said: “I think about the team, you think about Marcus a lot. I think about the team. I'm not making a point, I'm just thinking about the team.” wants to win the games. And you feel that, I'm talking about the idea and the battle for relegation. I want to make a point during the match. No, I just want to win the match.”
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