Cristiano Ronaldo's claims that the Saudi Pro League is "much better" than Major League Soccer could seem daring, however the ahead could also be feeling a bit embarrassed contemplating his earlier feedback on the thought of enjoying within the United States. While nonetheless starring for Real Madrid, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner spoke about in the future transferring to MLS.

Ronaldo, 38, as an alternative joined Juventus after leaving Spain in 2018. Then, after spending three seasons in Italy, he returned to the English Premier League and Manchester United earlier than abruptly leaving final yr after falling out with supervisor Erik ten Hag.

A profitable free switch to Saudi Pro League group Al-Nassr adopted firstly of this yr. Ronaldo has just lately spoken about not in search of a return to Europe earlier than retiring.

That would seemingly improve the potential of as soon as once more rivaling Lionel Mess within the U.S. over the approaching years. However, that prospect was one thing the participant shot down on Monday.

"I think the Saudi league is much better than the United States," Ronaldo instructed reporters in Portugal after Al-Nassr's 5-0 pre-season loss to Spanish membership Celta Vigo. That got here in response to being requested whether or not he would ever take into account transferring to MLS.

However, that was not all the time the case. In 2016, two years earlier than leaving Real Madrid, Ronaldo was excessive on how MLS was creating.

“I know that many players move there," he said after seeing former teammates David Beckham and Kaka join LA Galaxy and Orlando City over previous seasons. "I think it's becoming better and better. It's growing.

“I think it's good. It's good for me and young players that maybe one day we want to move there. So it's good that football—'soccer'—grows there.

“I mean, what's happening there is great; it's fantastic—maybe in the future will be a good chance for me to play there. You never know, but it's something interesting. I consider it, of course, because as I've said, soccer there has become better and better, so why not? I think that this is maybe going to be possible.”

‌Those feedback contrasted with claims made only a yr earlier about eager to retire whereas nonetheless enjoying on the highest degree. "In my mind, I want to finish in the top level, I want to finish with dignity, so in a good club," Ronaldo stated in 2015. "It doesn't mean that to go USA or Qatar or Dubai is not good. But I don't see myself [going there]."