Football loves Cristiano Ronaldo, and not only for his ability as a player, but also for his earth-sized ego and incredible claims. His latest comments have, of course, caused a major stir, so let's dissect what he said in today's 'Reacting to the Presser'!
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When did he speak?
On Monday night, after Al Nassr were defeated 5-0 by LALIGA side Celta Vigo in a pre-season friendly in Portugal, the 38-year-old took his seat in a post-match press conference and answered questions from members of the media. Ronaldo started the match but was substituted at the break, with all five of Celta's goals coming in the second half.
Reacting to the Presser, by @KurtLaduma
Ronaldo: "I won't return to European football, the door is completely closed. I'm 38 years old, also European football has lost lot of quality. The only valid one is Premier League, they're way ahead of all the other leagues."
Kurt: Ronaldo here was responding to a question as to whether or not he'd consider moving back to Europe in future. In typical Ronaldo fashion, he is happy to claim European football is suffering a decline now that he is no longer involved in it. Leading up to his departure from Manchester United in November last year, reports suggested he had offered himself to multiple top clubs on the continent, such as Bayern Munich and Chelsea, to no avail. His then-agent Jorge Mendes failed to deliver on what his client wanted, leading to the end of their long-standing professional relationship. It suits Ronaldo to say this, but we all know playing in the Saudi Pro League wasn't what he initially had planned for himself!
Ronaldo: "My decision to join Saudi clubs was 100% crucial to bring in new top players. It's a fact. When I joined Juventus, Serie A was dead and then after I signed… it was revived. Wherever Cristiano goes, he generates higher interest."
Kurt: My first point might've been delivered harshly, but there's little I can disagree with here. Ronaldo is arguably the most influential footballer of all time, so players around the world will naturally look to follow him. From a commercial standpoint, Serie A had fallen far from where it once was prior to his move to Juventus in 2018, and I think his arrival did put the Italian top division on the map again! This has been the same for the Saudi Pro League, though it could also be argued that the money, for some, is ultimately too much to turn down. The career of a professional player is short and fans must appreciate that different people have different motivations. Ruben Neves, who has joined Al Hilal at just 26 years old, admitted as much recently in saying his earnings in Saudi Arabia will help him take care of his family better than if he hadn't taken the opportunity. Again, however, perhaps Neves wouldn't have considered the Middle East if not for his international colleague. Fair play, CR7!
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Ronaldo: "Saudi league is better than MLS."
Kurt: I love it! Here, Ronaldo was asked about the prospect of one day playing in the United States following Lionel Messi's recent free-agent move to Inter Miami and used it as an opportunity to take shots at his long-time rival. According to sports ranking company Twenty First Group, the MLS currently ranks as the 29th-strongest league in the world, while the Saudi Pro League ranks in at 59th. This could very well change as high-profile players continue to move to Saudi Arabia, but it seems the Middle Eastern division still has a long way to go to usurp America's top division. Context, however, is key. Messi has taken his career to the MLS to enjoy the time he has left in professional football, fresh off winning two major international trophies – the 2021 Copa America and 2022 FIFA World Cup – with Argentina. Ronaldo left Qatar devastated after being dropped for his country's two knockout matches. In his mind, he is likely still telling himself to this day that Fernando Santos was wrong to put him on the bench, and that he was treated harshly by Erik ten Hag prior to his exit from the Red Devils. Therefore, Ronaldo's comments here are probably his way of justifying his move to Saudi Arabia. And, regardless, what is he supposed to say anyway? He is the league's greatest ambassador and they've made him the world's highest-paid footballer. Of course this will be his stance!
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