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.”
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about a difficult period in his career, revealing that he almost stepped away from football.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bassey shared that he once made a personal promise to himself to quit pursuing football professionally if he failed to secure a spot at a professional club.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.”
It has been reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined Egypt $5,000 following their clash with Zimbabwe for failing to manage post-match media obligations.
It was noted that after the match, the Egyptian players ignored the media. This action was said to be a violation of CAF’s media regulations, which led to the fine being imposed.
Head of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, shared that the big-name players on the team are not happy about being benched.
He recalled when he took out Samuel Chukwueze during the match against Tanzania.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.”
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we have to protect the wing.”
Davido Fulfils ₦20 Million Promise to Carter Efe After Record-Breaking Stream
Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Nearly Walking Away from Football
