Odion Ighalo wants Cristiano Ronaldo to join him in the Saudi Pro League

Former Manchester United striker, Odion Ighalo, has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to join him in the Saudi Arabian League, as the Portuguese remain clubless.

Following his abrupt departure from Manchester United on the eve of the World Cup the Portugal captain has been linked to a contract worth more than £400m with Saudi Arabian clubs, Al-Hilal and Al Nassr in recent weeks.

After seeking an exit in the summer to no avail, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner contract with United was terminated by mutual consent following his mind-blowing interview with Piers Morgan in which he admitted feeling ‘betrayed’ by the club and manager Erik ten Hag.

Ighalo, who played for United on loan in the 2019/20 campaign and is now in the Saudi Professional League with Al Hilal, has revealed that he would welcome such a move.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in the Saudi Arabian Professional League will be a commercial boost to the league,” Ighalo told The Athletic.

“He (Ronaldo) is hugely ambitious, and I think he will want to play in a Champions League team and end his career well, but you never can say,” he added.

“He has the decision to make. I wish him all the best in that decision, and hopefully, he does come to Saudi Arabia.

“I would love for him to come to Saudi because he would boost the league and add more fanbase to the league. People who are not already watching will start to engage with the league and see something they are missing.”

The Nigeria international won the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal last season and was the 2021/22 Saudi Pro League Top Scorer with 24 goals.