“There Is Not Enough Professionalism” – Heading Towards a Potential Trophyless Season, Cristiano Ronaldo Told He Didn’t ‘Raise’ the Level of Game in Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players. He has influenced many individuals and organizations by his stature. However, his move to Saudi Arabia has often attracted criticism from soccer stars, pundits, and players. 

Al Nassr made a massive offer to land the Portuguese when he was a free agent after the termination of his Manchester United contract. The Saudi Arabian club made the Portuguese highest-paid athlete. The move came after many European clubs showed no interest in a move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. His move received mixed reactions from the soccer fraternity. And now a Russian player has weighed on it.

Magomed Ozdoyev offers his take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is making strides of late. The Gulf nation wants to bid for hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. They are attempting to improve the image of the country’s soccer and have made some better deals to bring stardom to the league. They succeeded in January this year after landing Cristiano Ronaldo in a blockbuster move.   

It was an attempt to increase the competitiveness in the league. Saudi Pro League got the attraction after the Portuguese accepted the Al Nassr move. The viewership of the league has increased, and other clubs are also looking for some big moves. Lionel Messi has also received a massive offer from Al Hilal. And many Saudi fans think Ronaldo is having a significant effect on the league.

However, the Russian midfielder thinks otherwise. Magomed Ozdoyev weighed on the move while speaking to SPORX recently. Ozdoyev said, “Cristiano Ronaldo has not raised the level of football in Saudi Arabia. He moved his own image. His move does not increase the limits of understanding and quality of football in Saudi Arabia. There is not enough professionalism. I will not play there [Saudi Arabia]. Ronaldo moved, now there is talk about Lionel Messi joining, but after a few years I can go there.”

READ MORE: “Next Season, It Needs More..” – After Denying Al Nassr Exit Claims, Cristiano Ronaldo Makes Shock ‘Top 5’ Saudi League Claim

Those are some stern words from the Russian soccer star. Ozdoyev’s words hold weight if the mercurial Portuguese goes trophyless with his club.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo go trophyless at Al Nassr?

Ronaldo had a mixed season with Al Nassr so far. Despite winning a February Player of the Month award, he hasn’t been able to score consistently. The Portuguese saw his club bowing out of three domestic cups since his arrival in the Gulf nation.

Chances of clinching the Saudi Pro League title is also moving away with every passing game. They are three points behind the league leaders Al Ittihad. With two games remaining for the end of the season, Al Nassr will hope for a miracle to win the title that eluded them for the last few seasons. If Ittihad scores a minimum of four points from the remaining two games, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will go trophyless this season. 

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Let us know your thoughts on the impact Cristiano Ronaldo had on Saudi Arabian soccer since his move.