Cristiano Ronaldo left European soccer earlier this year when he signed with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Having played for clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus, Ronaldo’s legacy in Europe remains unmatched. However, despite departing from Europe and going to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s European dream hasn’t died yet.
According to reports, Saudi authorities are planning to make their entry into the UEFA Champions League. There are proposals of offering the winner of the Saudi Pro League a wild card entry into the premier European soccer club competition. Moreover, the authorities will request UEFA to increase the number of participating teams from 32 to 36 next season.
🚨 The Saudi’s reportedly plan to reward the winner of the Saudi Pro League with qualification to the UEFA Champions League. 🇪🇺
The idea would be to formulate a request to UEFA for a “wild card” to the Champions League, which will be played by 36 teams from 2024/25. 🎟
The… pic.twitter.com/M4xJmZDIRz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 17, 2023
If this proposal is accepted by UEFA, it would mean that players like Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Karim Benzema, and so on can return to European soccer. This would also give the Portuguese star a chance to further extend his domination in the Champions League. Ronaldo remains the all-time top scorer and top assist provider in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, this proposal further highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabian soccer. Since Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, several top soccer stars like Benzema, Neymar, Mane, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kante, and so on have joined different Saudi Arabian clubs. Moreover, Neymar, who recently joined Al-Hilal on a blockbuster move, credited the Al-Nassr skipper for starting the trend of soccer stars joining Saudi Arabian clubs.
Cristiano Ronaldo claims European soccer is dead
Amidst his potential return to Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo made a huge claim a few weeks ago. The ex-Manchester United star stated that he has no intention of returning to Europe. He also claimed that with the Saudi league improving day by day, there’s no need for him to return to Europe. He said, “I’m 100 percent sure I won’t return to any European club.”
Return to Europe?
🎙Cristiano Ronaldo: That door is completely closed. I’m 38 and football in Europe has lost its quality. The Portuguese league is good but not top. Premier league is above all the other leagues. pic.twitter.com/kUsjokfG0u
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) July 17, 2023
“I opened the way to the Saudi league and now all the players are coming here. I won’t return to European football, the door is completely closed.” However, Ronaldo didn’t stop just here. The Portuguese international went on to state that the level of European soccer is on a decline. He argued that only the Premier League possesses some quality, while the Spanish and the German league’s quality is lost.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s words sounded ironic coming after Al-Nassr’s loss to Celta Vigo in a pre-season match. Celta Vigo, who came 11th in La Liga last season, was no match for Ronaldo’s side who lost 5-0. However, Ronaldo’s prediction that more players were about to join the Saudi Pro League has been proven right once and for all.
