“Defines Their Legacy”- Days After Cristiano Ronaldo’s MLS Remark, Saudi Pro League Director Echoes CR7’s Claims Amid Influx of Soccer Stars

The Saudi Pro League has dominated over the course of this year’s summer transfer window. European stars around the world continue to join the domestic forces alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The majority of the soccer world seems to have gone against the takeover by the Gulf country. In fact, it has started a debate among the soccer fraternity.

Ronaldo has been the major protagonist in starting the trend of going to the Middle East. It was just recently that he made huge claims regarding the popularity of the Pro League. Likewise, yet another figure, specifically the league’s new director, also jumped on the bandwagon.

Saudi Pro League director reverberates CR7’s claims

There are opinions surfacing on the internet that players are motivated to join Saudi Arabia’s domestic side for money. However, those claims have been shut down by the Saudi Pro League’s new director, Michael Emenalo. “Footballers are not completely ignorant of what the industry is about,” he said, as stated by the Athletic.

“They recognise when something is happening and you have to have conversations with them, not just the agent, and explain to them what the league is about.” He continued, “So if a lot of them are making this decision, it’s not necessarily because of the economic side of the opportunity. It’s also because they recognise that this is going to be something that defines their legacy and they have an opportunity to contribute something special.”

Emenalo was appointed as the league’s first Director of Football. Earlier, the former Nigerian international was an ex-technical director at Chelsea from 2011–17. While talking about the league, he said the players always look for “greater competition.” He believes the league offers a lot of exposure to the players, and that is why there is “spectacular interest” from around the World.

READ MORE: After Thrashing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Rival Star Hails ‘GOAT’ CR7

Indeed, these are some eyebrow-raising claims from SPL’s new director. His words somehow echo exactly what Ronaldo recently said while comparing the MLS and the Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo made a huge admission about the MLS

As prominent stars continue to leave Europe for the Gulf country, Ronaldo seized the opportunity to discuss the situation. The striker recently talked about the frenzy he caused with his move to Al Nassr. Surprisingly, he even made bold statements by comparing the MLS with the Saudi Pro League.

As tweeted by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 38-year-old said, “Saudi League is better than MLS. I’m 100% sure I won’t return to any European club. I opened the way to Saudi league… and now all the players are coming here”. While clearing the air regarding his potential return to Europe, the skipper firmly believes that the Saudi League is way ahead of the American League. Indeed, these are some audacious claims from the 38-year-old.

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