Cristiano Ronaldo articulates his sense of honor in serving as a pioneer and trailblazer for the game of football in Saudi Arabia. He underscores the growing recognition of esteemed footballers engaging in the nation's sporting pursuits.
The 38-year-old Portuguese forward, who had recently signed a two-year agreement, became a member of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) team, Al Nassr, towards the end of December. This development has opened up opportunities for other notable athletes to potentially join the club during the upcoming summer period.
Well-known footballers, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mané, N'Golo Kante, and Jordan Henderson, have garnered considerable media attention through their transfers to the SPL in recent months.
The league has publicly voiced its aspiration to be included among the top five domestic tournaments on a worldwide scale. Nonetheless, the assertive recruitment campaign undertaken by the kingdom during this summer has been met with disapproval by prominent figures in European football, such as UEFA president Alexander Ceferin and Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta.
Ronaldo discussed the criticism he had received, asserting that it is commonplace to face such scrutiny. He emphasized the ubiquity of problems and controversies in various leagues and countries, including Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and even Spain, in relation to Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales.
In addition, he stated, "I was aware that this decision would attract attention. However, it is now deemed ordinary to participate in the Saudi League. Having been a player at Al Nassr for eight months, I have personally observed the advancements."
Ronaldo holds the belief that the SPL currently maintains a higher level of quality compared to Portugal's Primeira Liga. In the 2023–24 season, Ronaldo enjoyed immense success with Nassr, demonstrating an exemplary performance. He has remarkably scored 12 goals in 11 matches and remarkably emerged as the leading goalscorer in the prestigious King Salman Club Cup, thereby securing his inaugural championship title with Nassr.
Ronaldo, in the league, has managed to secure an impressive total of six goals in his last three matches. His remarkable performance grants him the top spot on both the charts for goals scored and assists provided. Subsequently, he has been bestowed with the prestigious title of the SPL's player of the month for August.
Ronaldo, who holds the largest number of followers on Instagram, expressed his profound gratitude for having the opportunity to transform individuals' perspectives regarding the nation and its culture. Furthermore, he conveyed immense happiness and pride in the exceptional caliber of football present here.
In addition, he conveyed his aspirations for the Saudi League to persistently advance and emerge as a profoundly competitive Premier League in the forthcoming years. He affirmed, "I played a pioneering role, and I hold great pride in that. I ardently desire for the Saudi League to maintain its progression and evolve into a remarkable top-tier league."
When queried about his enduring competition with Lionel Messi, who currently represents Inter Miami in the United States and has been the recipient of the Ballon d'Or five times, he expressed, "I do not perceive it in that manner. We have coexisted in the limelight for a span of fifteen years. While I refrain from labeling us as friends, we possess a mutual admiration."
Ronaldo underscored the constructive rivalry existing between himself and Messi, underscoring their respective contributions to the rich heritage of football. He implored supporters to perceive and value both athletes, affirming, "If one holds affection for Cristiano, it is unnecessary to harbor antipathy towards Messi. We have both played integral roles in the advancement of football, consequently garnering well-earned admiration and reverence."
He concluded by acknowledging that the rivalry between himself and Messi has come to an end and that both players are performing admirably in their respective leagues, Saudi Arabia and the United States.