Amid European Players’ Exodus, Barcelona President Slams Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi League – “There are No Sporting Reasons” Behind These Moves

Cristiano Ronaldo sent shockwaves across the world when he joined Al Nassr last year. Al Nassr signed the former Real Madrid talisman for a salary package north of $200 million a year. Since then, a host of top European talents, including the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Roberto Firmino among others, have joined the Saudi league.

The common theme in all these signings was the involvement of a heft economic package for the players. This has skewed the level playing field for a host of European clubs who are finding it difficult to compete with the Saudi clubs monetarily. Barcelona President Joan Laporta is also one among them.

Barcelona’s President criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo & Co for choosing the Saudi League for non-sporting reasons

In a recent press conference with CNN, Barcelona President Joan Laporta lashed out at players choosing Saudi League over European clubs. As per him, the reason why players prefer clubs of the SPL is due to non-sporting reasons. The Barcelona President believes that players should ideally prioritize sporting reasons over everything else.

 “And when a player, and with all respect, prefers to go to Saudi Arabia, basically there are no sporting reasons. You know, there are other reasons that are the priority. And the football must be the priority – the sporting reasons must be the priority,” exclaimed Laporta.

Dive Deeper: USMNT Legend Says USWNT ‘Owes America 90 Minutes of Sleep’ After Subpar World Cup Performance

Interestingly, Laporta’s comments come after Al-Hilal’s blockbuster bid of $332 million for Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé.

Joan Laporta suggests an alternate way for Saudi clubs to improve quality

Speaking to the crowd of reporters, Laporta also suggested a co-partnership model to grow the league in Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona chief suggested that the Saudi clubs in association with top European clubs could take tips to grow their academy “There are big European clubs, including Football Club Barcelona, that could help these teams in the Saudi Pro League in order to get some associations to transfer our know-how and to help them to improve their teams,” suggested the 61-year-old.

Joan Laporta believed that this is how the Saudi league should grow than spending a lot of money and signing players. “I think that this is the way to do it. Maybe with academies of football, but at the same time with a direct association in order to improve the quality of these teams in terms of football,” opined Laporta.

WATCH THIS STORY | NFL Star’s Wife Celebrates Soccer Greatest Lionel Messi’s Miami Transfer with Unbridled Joy

What do you think of Joan Laporta’s suggestions? Let us know your thoughts below!