Sport
Alexi Lalas Supports Ronaldo’s View on Saudi Pro League Being Better Than Ligue 1
Former American footballer Alexi Lalas has come to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo following his recent remarks the Saudi Pro League (SPL), claiming it is better than France’s Ligue 1.
Ronaldo made the comment after receiving the Best Middle Eastern Player award at a December gala, where he also took the opportunity to highlight that Paris Saint-Germain was the only prominent club in Ligue 1, saying, “Everyone else is finished.”
However, Lalas, speaking on his podcast, explained that Ronaldo’s comments were valid, especially in regards to the unique challenges of playing in the Middle Eastern climate.
Lalas said, “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.”
Drawing from his experience with Major League Soccer (MLS), Lalas added, “From an MLS perspective, I can appreciate it.
There are unique challenges that players face in leagues like Saudi Arabia that others often overlook.
I can guarantee there are difficulties players encounter there that are hard to comprehend unless you’ve experienced them.”
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that English clubs are struggling to meet Victor Osimhen’s financial demands. Osimhen, who is currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is expected to secure a permanent move away from the Serie A side this summer.
Top Premier League teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have been linked with the Super Eagles striker, but Romano believes his wage expectations could block any potential transfer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that Osimhen wants to maintain the €12 million net salary he earns at Napoli, in addition to commissions and his €75 million release clause. “No English club is prepared to meet his €12 million net salary demand,” Romano said.
Last summer, Osimhen came close to joining Chelsea after the Blues reached a late loan deal with Napoli. However, the move collapsed as Chelsea refused to break their wage structure to accommodate him.
Russia and Nigeria are set to clash in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday, June 6. The Russia Football Union confirmed the venue on its official website.
It will be Russia’s first game at the Luzhniki Stadium since their World Cup qualifier against Croatia on September 1, 2021. This match also marks the first time Russia and Nigeria will face each other at the senior level.
After the game against Nigeria, Russia will travel to Minsk to play another friendly against Belarus on Tuesday, June 10. Before the showdown with Russia, the Super Eagles will feature in the Unity Cup invitational tournament in London this May.
Eric Chelle’s men are scheduled to face long-time rivals, Ghana’s Black Stars, in their opening game on Wednesday, May 28. Other teams participating in the Unity Cup include the Reggae Boys of Jamaica and the Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago.
Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins has picked Cristiano Ronaldo as his Greatest of All Time ahead of Lionel Messi.
Speaking on the Football Fans Tribe podcast, the former Newcastle and Inter Milan striker described Ronaldo as a machine, praising his ability to keep scoring goals despite his age.
Martins said, “I would choose Ronaldo. He’s a machine. He’s still playing and scoring goals. Playing in so many different countries is really hard.”
He also spoke about Messi’s calm personality, saying, “People love Messi because he is calm and doesn’t seem arrogant. But sometimes, as a footballer, you need a little arrogance to push yourself.”
During his career, Martins went head-to-head with both legends four times. He faced Messi when Rubin Kazan clashed with Barcelona in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League group stage and played against Ronaldo during his time at Newcastle United in the Premier League.
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