Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in a league that has a worse standard than League One, according to a senior data scientist.
Ronaldo officially completed his sensational free transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr after his contract with Manchester United was terminated.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward signed a mammoth two-year contract with Al Nassr, with Ronaldo securing an astonishing £175m-a-year deal.
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Ronaldo flew out with his family to Saudi Arabia and arrived at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Monday ahead of his medical.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was presented to the media at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of his official unveiling in front of fans at Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park.
Ronaldo could make his hotly anticipated debut for Al Nassr on Thursday, with Rudi Garcia’s side hosting Al Ta’ee at Mrsool Park.
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However, Twenty First Group senior data scientist Aurel Nazmiu has claimed that models have found that the Saudi Pro League is considered “worse” than League One.
According to Nazmiu, the models identified that Saudi Arabia’s top-flight league is “better” than League Two.
“Just to put into context the quality of the Saudi League -- our models rate it as worse than League One but better than League Two,” Nazmiu tweeted.
“So barely better than the Canadian Premier League,” one fan posted.
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Another Twitter user commented: “Basically, signed for a rich Burton Albion.”
A third added: “I was wondering this! I expected similar to L1 but not worse!”
While another suggested: “Trying to prolong his fitness to make it for the next [World Cup].”
Ronaldo, who claimed he received offers from teams around the world, defended his move to Saudi Arabia and claimed the league in the country is “very competitive.”
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Speaking at his press conference, Ronaldo said: “I’m a unique player. I beat all the records in Europe. I want to beat a few records here.
“This contract is unique but I’m a unique player, so for me it’s normal. I really don’t worry about what people say. I am really, really happy to be here.
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“I know the league is very competitive, I saw many games. I hope to play after [Wednesday] if the coach thinks there’s a chance. I'm ready to keep playing football.”
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Football, Al Nassr
Adnan Riaz