Cristiano Ronaldo claims Saudi Pro League is 'better' than Ligue 1 because of one key reason

Cristiano Ronaldo says the Saudi Pro League is BETTER than Ligue 1 because of one key reason.

Ronaldo is in Dubai for the 14th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards - along with the likes of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.

The 38-year-old called himself the 'best goalscorer' in front of the 23-year-old Norwegian phenom, who had a priceless reaction to his claim.

He also aimed a dig at France's top flight as he said Saudi Arabia's fledging league is a better competition.

"You want my opinion? I don't think the Saudi League is worse than French Ligue 1," said the Al Nassr superstar.

The former Manchester United man, who has plied his trade in England, Spain, Italy and Portugal, believes the Saudi Pro League is 'more competitive' than Ligue 1.

"In Saudi Arabia, I find it’s more competitive, they can say what they want, it's my opinion, I play here and I know what I’m saying," he added.

"I think now we are better than Ligue 1."

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates an Al Nassr victory. Image: Getty

Neymar, who left France to sign for Al Hilal, has previously agreed with Ronaldo's claim.

Since Ronaldo's arrival in Saudi Arabia there has been a huge influx of talent swapping Europe for the Middle East.

His former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, ex-Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, among many others, have moved to Saudi clubs.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia also tried to sign Kylian Mbappe, who turned down their advances.

Not to mention Lionel Messi, who had a spell at PSG following his departure from Barcelona.

Mbappe still operates in France with Paris Saint-Germain, having been the subject of intense transfer speculation as he enters the final six months of his current deal.

Ronaldo calling the Saudi Pro League 'more competitive' could stem from the fact that PSG have won nine league titles since the 2012/13 season.

Only AS Monaco and Lille have managed to break up PSG's dominance in that period.

The French giants currently sit at the top of the table, eight points clear of second-placed Nice.

As for the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal are seven points ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League, Ligue 1, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar