Sports

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

Published

1 year ago

January 2, 2025

Editor

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: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.