Cristiano Ronaldo convinced Saudi Pro League will be among top five leagues in world

Cristiano Ronaldo says he believes the Saudi Pro League will become one of the top five leagues in the world – although the Portuguese star has preached patience despite the kingdom’s “amazing potential”.

Ronaldo, 38, joined Al Nassr in late December on a two-and-a-half-year contract understood to represent one of the most lucrative player deals in football history.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward, who has won league titles at all three clubs, has gone on to score 14 goals in 15 league games.

Ronaldo’s latest came on Tuesday night, when he struck a stunning winner in Nassr’s comeback victory against Riyadh rivals Al Shabab to breathe life back into their title bid. Sitting second, Nassr are three points behind leaders Al Ittihad with two rounds remaining.

Giving a rare interview immediately after securing a vital victory for Nassr, Ronaldo was asked by Saudi channel SSC to give his thoughts on the league.

"الدوري السعودي دوري قوي وليس بالسهل، ويحتاج إلى بعض اللاعبين وسيكون من ضمن أقوى 5 دوريات في العالم"