Cristiano Ronaldo: “Serie A dead before me.” And sends a dig at Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo’s words

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke after his Al-Nassr team’s heavy friendly defeat, overwhelmed by Spanish side Celta Vigo with a peremptory 5-0 win.

“Serie A, when I arrived, was a dead league that was then rejuvenated,” he stressed. “Where Cristiano goes there is more interest: it happened in Arabia as well. I feel like a pioneer and I am sure that soon other champions will come here. The Arab league will be very competitive: I said it would become so within three years, but if it continues at this pace already in the coming months it will easily surpass the Turkish and Dutch leagues.”

So the Portuguese phenomenon also took a swipe at Lionel Messi, who has just landed at Inter Miami: “Europe is a completely closed door for, I’m 38 and a half years old. The only league that for me remains at a higher level than all the others is the Premier League. La Liga is not like it used to be, ditto the Bundesliga. I’m sure I will never play in Europe again, just as I’m sure the Saudi Pro League is much better than the MLS.”

Meanwhile, CR7 and his teammates will have to erase the poor showing with Celta Vigo, as far greater challenges await them in the coming weeks against clubs like Inter Milan and PSG.