Cristiano Ronaldo urges stars to join Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr finished second in the league

Cristiano Ronaldo has challenged other star players to come to Saudi Arabia and play in the league, as he said:

If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, 'old players,' they are very welcome because if that happens, the league will improve a little bit."

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that he will continue to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia next season, but he has also stated that the Saudi Pro League (SPL) needs to develop in order to compete with the best leagues in the world.

Ronaldo, 38, moved to Riyadh-based Al Nassr in January after his contract with Manchester United was mutually terminated in November. In 16 games for Al Nassr, he scored 14 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo claims that although he has liked his brief stay in Saudi Arabia, there is still room for improvement in areas like officiating and VAR.

Due to Al Ittihad claiming the SPL and neighbourhood rivals Al Hilal winning the King Cup, Ronaldo concluded the inaugural year at Al Nassr without a trophy.

And the Portuguese international acknowledges that after joining Al Nassr, he had high hopes for this season's awards.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo claimed that it has been difficult to adapt to Middle Eastern customs.

"One example is in Europe we train more in the morning, but here we train in the afternoon or evening and in Ramadan we train at 10 at night -- so this is so strange," he stated.

"But as I tell you these situations are part of an experience, memories. I like to live these moments because you learn with these things."

"It is difficult, but it is nothing I have not seen before. My experience so far is that Saudi fans they really love football and like to live the life and it is good and I am so happy until now."