With recent reports suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for an early return to Europe, the Portuguese superstar has now made an audacious claim about the Saudi Pro League.
German businessman Markus Schon recently claimed he is working on bringing the 38-year-old back to Europe with Bayern Munich.
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This has led to much speculation that the striker wants to quit Saudi Arabia just five months after his arrival in the Middle East, despite having signed a two-year deal with Al Nassr.
His arrival in the Saudi top flight earlier this year has led to more high-profile stars being linked with the league, including Wilfried Zaha, Hugo Lloris, Sergio Busquets and, most notably, his arch-rival Lionel Messi.
The organisers of the Saudi Pro League have made it clear they want to globalise their top division, with reports indicating that some of the signings they want made will be partially financed by their government, as is believed to be the case regarding Ronaldo's €200 million (R4.1 billion) contract in Riyadh.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has not found goals difficult to come by since making the switch, having netted 14 times in 15 league games so far, including a stunning long-range strike against Al Shabab this week to keep his side's title hopes alive.
After that match, the Real Madrid legend shared his thoughts about the level he is currently playing in, and insisted that the Saudi Pro League has the potential to become one of the world's best divisions.
"In my opinion, the Saudi league is getting better and next season it will be even better," he said, according to Manchester Evening News.
"Step by step, I think this league will be in the top five leagues in the world but they need time, they need players, they need infrastructure.
"I believe this country has amazing potential and amazing people, and the league will be great."
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Speaking on Tuesday's 3-2 win over Al Shabab after he scored the winner, Ronaldo added: "To be 2-0 down is very difficult but we believed until the end and scored three goals so congratulations to the team and the supporters, who were amazing today. We are very happy."
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