19 January 2024 , 16:48
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Cristiano Ronaldo has made the bold claim that the Saudi Pro League is superior to the French Ligue 1 less than 24 hours after Jordan Henderson left the Middle East.
Former Liverpool captain Henderson has dominated the headlines over the last few days having called time on his Al-Ettifaq career just six months after he left Anfield. The England international walked away from the project during the January transfer window after reports he struggled to adjust to the climate, lifestyle and small attendances in the division.
However, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo has issued a passionate defence of the Saudi Pro League, claiming it is already better than one of Europe's major leagues. He explained: "Saudi League is not worst than Ligue 1. Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than French league already now."
Ronaldo didn't stop there, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace also took the opportunity to express his delight with his own situation at Saudi side Al-Nassr, as well as being confident for what the future holds for football in the Middle East.
"I feel so happy at Al Nassr, it’s a great move. Saudi is in a process, it will take long… but step by step they will go to the top level. I think Saudi Pro League will be among the top three leagues in the world. People in Saudi will be proud."
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Henderson doesn't seem to agree, given his desire to leave the league so quickly. The 33-year-old has since joined Dutch giants Ajax, though he did make clear he had no interest in criticising the Saudi top flight in the wake of his exit.
The former Red told media during his Ajax unveiling, "I think a lot of people would like me to criticise the Saudi League, that's not something I'm going to do. I have a lot of respect for them and those that made me feel welcome."
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Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken glowingly of the Saudi Pro League, claiming it is already better than Ligue 1 (Getty Images)He was then pressed for comment on whether he harboured any regrets over his move to Al-Ettifaq, to which he offered an upbeat response. Henderson added: "Looking back at the time, it was a big decision and one I felt was right for me.
"Things change quickly in football and I'm happy to make this decision [to come to Ajax] and I felt this opportunity too big to turn down for me. In life, if you want to call them regrets or mistakes you can but they're only mistakes if you don't learn from them and I learnt a lot of things about Saudi.
"I haven't got a bad word to say about anyone. I have friends over there I'll speak to forever and there were still positives to come out of it. In the end it didn't turn out the way we both wanted to, but it ended on great terms."