Cristiano Ronaldo prediction already looks foolish as Jordan Henderson highlights Saudi Pro League problem

Jordan Henderson is set to sensationally quit Al Ettifaq and the Saudi Pro League after six months - partially proving wrong a prediction made by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Henderson was one of many top division players from across Europe to make the switch to Saudi Arabia last month.

He joined Al Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, with reports claiming he accepted a significant pay rise to make the move.

According to The Telegraph, Henderson is yet to earn any of his reported £350,000 per week salary as he deferred all of his salary payments.

Although the reason behind that decision is unclear, it is claimed that he may have done so to 'return to Britain to play for England in the short term, unrestricted by the time limitations placed on those without UK taxpayer status'.

And with Al Ettifaq having not won a game since October 28, it has been a nightmare spell for the former Liverpool captain.

The Daily Mail report that a number of foreign imports have been 'unable to find happiness' in Saudi Arabia since arriving in the summer.

And the likes of Roberto Firmino and Karim Benzema - two high-profile signings for Al Ahli and Al Ittihad respectively - have both been heavily linked with moves back to Europe.

All this means that, while most players appear to be staying in Saudi for at least the short term, a previous prediction made by Ronaldo doesn't seem quite as concrete as it once did.

The 38-year-old, who effectively kickstarted the exodus to the Saudi Pro League after joining Al Nassr last January,

He said in July (quotes via ESPN): "In one year, more and more top players will come to Saudi. In a year the Saudi league will overtake the Turkish league and Dutch league.

"I'm 100 per cent sure I won't return to any European club. I'm a 38 years old. And European football has lost a lot of quality.

"The only valid one and still doing good is the Premier League. They're way ahead of all the other leagues."

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jordan Henderson, Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr, Football

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.