Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that the Italian Serie A was dead before he joined Juventus in 2018.

The 38-year-old said this while insisting that he is the reason many high-profile players are leaving Europe and joining clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The legendary footballer spoke to the Portuguese media following Al-Nassr’s 5-0 defeat against Celta Vigo last night.

It was Al-Nassr’s first match since the official commencement of the pre-season tour.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar issued a defiant statement, saying, “When I joined Juventus, Serie A was dead, and then after I signed... it was revived.

“Wherever Cristiano goes, he generates higher interest.”

Ronaldo won four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and three Club World Cups with Real Madrid before signing for Juventus in a transfer worth an initial €100 million (£88 million) in 2018.

It was the most expensive transfer for an Italian club and for a player over 30 years old.