Ex Man United Striker Odion Ighalo Accuses Ronaldo of ‘Hypocrisy’ for Saudi Arabia Transfer

• Odion Ighalo has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to the Saudi Pro League
• Ighalo firmly believes that Ronaldo's decision to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia was not driven by passion
• Following his transfer to Al-Nassr, the 38-year-old has become a trendsetter, inspiring numerous players to make the switch to the Middle East

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo shared his insights into Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to join the Saudi Pro League.

The Nigerian footballer, who previously topped the scoring charts in the Saudi top flight, believes that Ronaldo's move to the Gulf State was predominantly influenced by financial incentives.

Despite Ronaldo expressing his aspirations in several interviews to elevate the Saudi league to the stature of major European competitions, Ighalo offers a contrasting viewpoint.

Drawing from his own successful two-year stint with Al-Hilal, Ighalo openly acknowledges that financial considerations drove his move to the Middle East.

England star Rice completes British record transfer to Arsenal

Football

"When you are young, yes, you play for passion. Back then, you don't care about money. But at my age, I am in the final stretch of my career. I don't know if it will be one or two years or when God will tell it to stop," he told OmaSportsTV as quoted by GOAL.

The 34-year-old goes on to assert that Ronaldo, along with numerous other top stars who have ventured into the Saudi league, are similarly motivated by the pursuit of financial rewards.

"I know it won't be more than three years. I've played for passion all my life. Now it's for money. I'm not one of those players who come and say: 'I play for passion'. Brother, it's money. At the end of the day, it's money.

"Is Ronaldo still playing out of passion? Ronaldo has earned 100 times more than I have in my entire life, yet he went to Saudi Arabia. Did he do that out of passion? It's for money, bro."

Saudi spending spree won't harm MLS's Messi-led global push - Garber

Football

Top earners in Saudi League

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on the top 10 best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi Pro League has gained prominence among the world's high-profile footballers in recent years.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema are currently leading the way in the list of the highest-earning players