Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly claimed that the Saudi Professional League outshines many of Europe's football leagues. The iconic forward, who has graced the pitches for Manchester United and Real Madrid, has been in Saudi Arabia since his move in the 2023 January transfer window.
Following a controversial split with United post his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, speculation is rife about Marcus Rashford's potential switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Despite rejecting three lucrative offers from the wealthy nation, reportedly up to £35 million annually, Rashford's future at United seems uncertain after being absent from play since December 7, barring a squad appearance against Newcastle United.
Ronaldo's recent remarks at the Globe Soccer Awards underscore the perceived strength of the Saudi league: "Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see."
He also previously stated: "To be honest I think the Saudi League is not worse than French league, in my opinion. In [the] French league I think you have two, three teams with a good level.
"In Saudi now I think it's more competitive. They can say whatever they want, it's just my opinion and I played there one year so I know what I'm talking about. But I think right now we are better than [the] French league, we still improve.
"We have very good teams, very good Arab players, but the infrastructure - they need to improve a little bit more. Even the referees, the VAR system, should be a little quicker. But I'm happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here."
Like Ronaldo, the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Neymar, and many more European football stars have flocked to the division. In another message to players like Rashford, who are huge stars that are still in their prime, Ronaldo also said: "If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, 'old players', they are very welcome. If that happens, the league will improve a little bit. Age is not important."
Ronaldo's comments are also particularly interesting, as Rashford has repeatedly been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The left-winger has previously been compared to ex-PSG hero Kylian Mbappe, who left the club to join Real Madrid last summer. While Rashford's future is uncertain, he still has a contract at United worth a purported £300,000 per week, which does not expire until the summer of 2028.
This season, he has contributed seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
Despite a strong preference for a 3-4-3 setup, Amorim has been favouring the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho in the inside-forward roles, leaving Rashford on the sidelines. After missing three matches, Rashford returned to the United squad on Monday, yet Amorim chose not to play him.
When questioned about his decision regarding Rashford, the former Sporting Lisbon boss clarified: "I think about the team, you think a lot about Marcus. I think about the team. I am not making a point, I just want to win the games. And you can feel it, I am talking about the idea and the fight for relegation. I want to make a point during the game? No, I just want to win the game."
