Former Premier League star defends Cristiano Ronaldo and Saudi Professional League after Portuguese icon handed 900 profession targets – as he tells the critics to ‘have a look at the info’

Former Premier League star Ruben Neves has defended the Saudi Professional League (SPL) after Cristiano Ronaldo handed 900 profession targets.

Neves, 27, moved to Al-Hilal final summer time regardless of curiosity from a number of Premier League sides as he turned the newest participant to move to the SPL.

His switch got here after Ronaldo was the primary main title to maneuver to the Center East, however the Portuguese celebrity’s time with Al-Nassr has been accompanied by claims that he’s enjoying in a so-called ‘simpler’ league and is not the star he as soon as was.

Ronaldo has scored 62 targets and added 17 assists in simply 68 video games for the Saudi aspect, but he was additionally closely criticised at Euro 2024 after he failed to attain as Portugal crashed out on the quarter-final stage to France.

Nonetheless, the 39-year-old netted his 900th and 901st profession targets towards Croatia and Scotland in latest days and Neves insisted that Ronaldo’s continued success demonstrates the power of the SPL.

Ronaldo netted towards Croatia and Scotland however has confronted vital criticism lately

The 39-year-old has been accused of enjoying in a so-called ‘simpler’ league with Al-Nassr

‘I invite these individuals [critics] to look at Saudi soccer,’ Neves, who received the league with Al-Hilal final season, stated.

The previous Wolves captain even went on to trace that the usual within the Center East will not be removed from the Premier League.

He added: ‘I’ve stated this just a few occasions – in the event you examine my GPS knowledge from English soccer to Saudi soccer, I run much more, however with the distinction that I run in 40 levels [Celsius]. 

‘I’m in fine condition bodily. Each Cristiano and I proved that Saudi soccer has high quality.’

Ronaldo’s 900th aim got here towards Croatia, earlier than his 901st was a late winner towards Scotland on Monday and the Al-Nassr star has rapidly set his sights on turning into the primary ever participant to succeed in 1,000 profession targets.

And Neves – who’s a team-mate of Ronaldo’s at worldwide stage – felt that was most definitely a sensible goal for his nation’s biggest ever participant.

‘In fact it’s doable,’ the midfielder added. ‘He’s already on aim 901 and with Cristiano something is feasible.’

Neves performs for SPL champions Al-Hilal and urged critics of the league to ‘have a look at the info’ 

Neves has rapidly set his sights on turning into the primary participant in historical past to attain 1,000 targets

In the meantime, talking final 12 months, Ronaldo – who has 132 targets in 214 worldwide caps – echoed Neves’ ideas that the SPL is a robust league, and equally felt it might grow to be top-of-the-line divisions on the planet.

‘I feel different small issues they should enhance,’ he stated. ‘However I’m pleased right here, I wish to proceed right here, I’ll proceed right here. 

‘And for my part in the event that they proceed to do the work that they wish to do right here, for the following 5 years, I feel the Saudi league generally is a prime 5 league on the planet.’

Neves’ Al-Hilal are at present prime of the SPL after two wins from two, whereas Al-Nassr and Ronaldo have 4 factors from their first two video games.