Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, who has represented Saudi side Al-Nasr since January, ensured on Monday that a return to European football is a “completely closed door”.
“This door is completely closed. I said when I signed [pelo Al Nassr], I’m already 38 and a half years old and it’s not worth it. In my opinion, Europe has lost a lot in quality,” the striker told reporters after a friendly game between Al-Nasr and Celta de Vigo, which the Spaniards won 5-0 at the Algarve stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo later explained that “the only league in the world” that he sees “at a higher level than everyone else” is the English Premier League.
“The Spanish league is not of such high quality, the Portuguese league is a good league, but in my opinion it is not the top league and I think the German league has also lost a lot. I’m sure I won’t play in the league anymore. Europe,” supported the Portuguese.
When asked about a possible invasion of the North American League (MLS), as happened with Lionel Messi, who strengthened Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo answered clearly: “Neither one nor the other. [Saudita]the championship is much better than in the USA.”
More about the Saudi league, the Portuguese striker said that he himself “opened a Pandora’s box and now everyone is going there, coincidence or not”: “I am very happy because I said that the Saudi league will be, in three years, the fifth best league in the world , but if this continues, I think that in a year the Turkish league, the Dutch league will pass, and then, with the number of top players already signed, it will be very good.”
After 21 years of career, the Portuguese striker recalled that he continued to break records and believed that he always had something to prove, in addition to the desire to continue to set an “example of longevity”.
“When we have nothing to prove, it is a sign that we are dead to life. Every year I have something to prove, to prove that I can set an example of longevity. At 38 and a half years old, I think I’m still going to do very interesting things: goals, assists, good preparation with the national team – good qualifying and a good European Championship – and I will continue my momentum as always. This is a 21-year career, I will continue to enjoy it, I still feel useful, ”he emphasized.
The Portuguese, who started training last week, played the opening minutes of the pre-season match for Al Nasr, playing only the first half against Spanish side Celta de Vigo at the opening of the Algarve Trophy.
“The first half was very good. We dominated. After that, the referee overreacted, I think he completely ruined the game. That removal killed the game, and when it does, it’s hard. The team is losing,” he said, considering himself “very happy” with Portuguese coach Luis Castro.
Al-Nasr will face Benfica on Thursday and Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to play “maybe 60-70 minutes” to continue his form.
The Portugal player also left a message for the women’s team, which starts the World Cup against the Netherlands on Sunday.
“The fact that they continue to do the wonderful work they have done so far is refreshing. This is a sport that is growing strongly. They have our support, as you saw a month ago when we gave a support shirt, and it’s support, as if it were a men’s team. I think women’s football is growing a lot and I wish them happiness and that they do their best,” he said.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.