Sports

Saudi League: Many People Don’t Understand – Ex-American Player Defends Cristiano Ronaldo

Published

1 year ago

January 2, 2025

Former American defender, Alexi Lalas has defended Cristiano Ronaldo over his recent comments about the Saudi Pro League, SPL, being better than the French Ligue 1.

According to Lalas, many people don’t understand because the Saudi league does not get credit, similar to Major League Soccer, MLS.

Ronaldo had made the comment after he was honored with the Best Middle Eastern Player award at a gala in December.

The Al Nassr captain added that in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain was the only recognised club, “everyone else is finished.”

However, speaking on his podcast, Lalas stated that Ronaldo was right to mention the challenges of playing in the Middle Eastern weather.

He added that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner defending the country and the league was good to see.

“I like that he is defending Saudi Arabia. I like that he has taken this unconventional pathway, notwithstanding how much money he’s making.

“It’s not as traditional as the past, and it has shown him some of the challenges out there—both on and off the field—when playing in leagues that many people don’t fully understand or appreciate,” Lalas said.

He added, “But from an MLS perspective, I can appreciate it. I have always tried to say, whether it’s Saudi Arabia—which, to be clear, I have never played in, though I visited many years ago—or any other league, there are unique challenges that players face which others don’t often consider.

“I can guarantee there are difficulties players encounter there that are hard to comprehend unless you’ve experienced them.”

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

Sports

EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.