Former Premier League star Ruben Neves has defended the Saudi Pro League (SPL) after Cristiano Ronaldo passed 900 career goals.

Neves, 27, moved to Al-Hilal last summer despite interest from several Premier League sides as he became the latest player to head to the SPL.

His transfer came after Ronaldo was the first major name to move to the Middle East, but the Portuguese superstar's time with Al-Nassr has been accompanied by claims that he is playing in a so-called 'easier' league and is no longer the star he once was.

Ronaldo has scored 62 goals and added 17 assists in just 68 games for the Saudi side, yet he was also heavily criticised at Euro 2024 after he failed to score as Portugal crashed out at the quarter-final stage to France.

However, the 39-year-old netted his 900th and 901st career goals against Croatia and Scotland in recent days and Neves insisted that Ronaldo's continued success demonstrates the strength of the SPL.