Cristiano Ronaldo highlights key factors that can bring Saudi Pro League ‘among the top five leagues’ in next few years
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken his goal tally to 14 for Al Nassr.
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The Portuguese icon made a statement about the Saudi pro League during a post match interview. (credit: Twitter)
Cristiano Ronaldo made a big claim about the Saudi Pro League following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Shabab on Tuesday. The legendary Portuguese forward scored the winner with 30 minutes left on the clock as Al-Nassr came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Ronaldo received the ball inside the Al-Shabab half and made a direct run toward the goal before firing past opposition goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
It was a stunning goal, one of the best that Ronaldo has scored for Al-Nassr since his arrival in December, and a crucial one too. Al-Nassr opened up a 10-point gap between themselves and third-placed Al-Shabab, and remain three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo conducted a live interview on the pitch shortly after the full-time whistle.
The 38-year-old was asked by the interviewer what he thought about the quality of the Saudi Pro League. While Ronaldo was always going to praise the league he’s currently playing in, it was surprising to hear that he believes Saudi Arabia’s top division will become one of the top five leagues in world football. “We are much better and the Saudi league is getting better and next year will be even better,” he said.
“Step-by-step I think this league will be among the top five leagues in the world but they need time, players, and infrastructure. I believe that this country has amazing potential, they have amazing people and the league will be great in my opinion.” With enough investment, anything is possible. Still, the idea that the Saudi Pro League will be a top-five league in world football still feels a little fanciful right now.
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Teammates applaud Cristiano Ronaldo as he pulls off Mohamed Salah-esque prayer celebration after scoring winner for Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo dropped to the floor to do a Mohamed Salah-esque prayer celebration after scoring the winner for Al-Nassr. The Portuguese forward kept Al-Nassr’s title hopes alive after scoring a screamer against Al-Shabab on Tuesday evening to fire his side to a 3-2 victory. After scoring the goal, he ran towards the corner flag with his arms outstretched, and before he could perform his customary ‘Siuu’ celebration, he was surrounded by his teammates.
The players continued to surround him, and within the circle, Ronaldo was seen doing Sujud, a prayer of thanks, by getting to his knees and placing his head on the ground, which is usually done by Liverpool forward Salah and several Muslim footballers across the world, including Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane. His teammates warmly received Ronaldo’s gesture and started clapping after the striker did the Sujud as a mark of respect.
There was speculation in the Spanish media that Ronaldo wants to quit Al-Nassr, claiming he feels life in Saudi Arabia is ‘very far from modern society’. But these rumors were put to bed after his agency denied those claims. The recent celebration shows that the footballer is indeed enjoying his life in Saudi Arabia and is trying to absorb Middle Eastern culture.
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MUHAMMAD DHULKIFL
(169 Articles Published)