Proud to play: Ronaldo defends decision to join Saudi Pro League

RIYADH: Al-Nassr’s Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo has doubled down on his decision to join the Saudi Pro League, saying he is honored to be part of something that is challenging perceptions about the Kingdom.

“Criticizing something is normal, and what league doesn’t get criticized?” he told a press conference ahead of Portugal’s European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg.

“It’s common to have problems and controversies anywhere, including Saudi Arabia, Portugal and the current situation in Spain.”

The superstar forward joined Al-Nassr at the end of last year and made his debut for the club in January.

“Everyone thought that I was so crazy about this move. But after all, it is not so crazy anymore. Now, it is normal to play in the Saudi league. As a player in Al-Nassr I have been playing there for eight months and I feel the improvement.”

Ronaldo said earlier he thought the Saudi league could become one of the top five in the world within five years.

“For me, it is an honor to change how people see that country and its culture. Not only that, but also the level of football is great now and that makes me very proud.”

He urged everyone to see the potential of the Saudi Pro League, which he said was full of players who wanted to transform football in the Kingdom.

“I want the Saudi League to continue to evolve in the upcoming years to become a remarkable top league.”