Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is confident the Saudi Pro League will become as popular as other football leagues.

Ronaldo left Manchester United in the English Premier League for  Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League late last year – and has also played in the Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga and others.

“We are much better and the Saudi league is getting better and the next year will be even better,” he told Saudi SSC channel this week.

“Step-by-step I think this league will be among the top five leagues in the world but they need time, players and infrastructure.

“But I believe that this country have amazing potential, they have amazing people and the league will be great in my opinion.”

Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in this season’s Saudi Pro League. Former Manchester United recruit Odion Ighalo, who is playing for Al-Hilal,  has scored 18 goals.

Al-Hilal have reportedly made a formal offer for Argentina star Lionel Messi, who is currently with Paris Saint-Germain in France’s Ligue 1.