Football
‘Al-Nassr Is No Different to European Clubs’ – Ex-Portugal Boss Fernando Santos Hails Cristiano Ronaldo for Securing His Future With Saudi Move
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Former Portugal manager Fernando Santos has lauded Cristiano Ronaldo for securing his future with a move to Al-Nassr. Santos said it was a remarkable move from Ronaldo, adding Al-Nassr were “no different to European clubs.”
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo sent shockwaves around the world in December 2022, announcing he would sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. His announcement came around a month and a half after his controversial exit from Manchester United.
The 39-year-old’s transfer has changed the course of the Saudi Pro League, making it a lucrative destination for footballers playing their trade in Europe. Since Ronaldo’s switch to the desert, many prominent players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante, have signed for Saudi Pro League teams, skyrocketing the division’s popularity.
🚨🇸🇦 Neymar tells CNN: “I agree with Cristiano. Today, I think the Saudi League is above Ligue 1”.
“The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing, the players are also better”.
“But Ligue 1 has its strengths. It's a very high level championship. I know it well”. pic.twitter.com/XDgO4ZOADA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2025
Ronaldo has long been championing the quality of football in the Saudi Pro League, recently calling it better than the French top flight, Ligue 1.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in December, Ronaldo said:
“The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I’m not saying that because I play here. I don’t care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees…Come and you will see. If you don’t believe me, come. In , they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players.”
Fernando Santos Hails Cristiano Ronaldo, Says Al-Nassr As Good As European Clubs
Ex-Portugal coach Santos also holds Saudi clubs in high regard, calling them as good as their European counterparts.
Speaking on Egyptian Channel 1 (via OJogo), Santos remarked:
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr is an incredible decision, but it is a unique experience, and Al Nassr is no different to European clubs. The atmosphere in Saudi football is wonderful. Cristiano is a world-class player and was looking to secure his future.”
Ronaldo has played 83 games for Al-Nassr in all competitions so far, scoring 74 goals and providing 18 assists. His contract expires in June 2025, but the all-time leading scorer in men’s football is likely to sign an extension.