Algerian Riyad Mahrez, winger for Al-Ahli Saudi Club, disagreed with the opinion of Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, regarding the global ranking of the Saudi league.

Mahrez stated in an interview with French newspaper "L'Équipe" that he does not agree with Ronaldo's view that the Saudi league is among the top 5 leagues in the world.

He added: "I do not agree with Ronaldo; the top five leagues are still the best, but we are not far from them."

He continued: "The goal is not for the Saudi league to currently become one of the best in the world, but there is a long-term vision."

He added: "The players who came in the beginning, like me, are like pioneers and we help make the league stronger, and it is indeed developing; they (referring to the officials) are trying to reach the goal and I believe they will succeed."

He noted: "I was keen to win the AFC Champions League with Al-Ahli, as it is an unprecedented achievement in the club's history, because they have won the league before but have not achieved this championship."

When asked about the European club he wished to play for, he said: "Since I was young, I dreamed of playing for Marseille; that was my dream, as I am a fan of the team, and I dream of playing in their stadium, but my career took a different path."