Cristiano Ronaldo, most football stars play for money not passion – Ighalo

Nigeria International, Odion Ighalo has opined that most footballers play for financial gain and not passion for the game.

The 34-year-old Super Eagles star made the assertion during a recent interview with popular football journalist, Oma Akatugba.

The former Manchester United forward said the ongoing exodus of global football superstars to the Saudi Arabian league was inspired by money.

Ighalo, who was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League in the 2021/2022 season, insisted that it was the main reason behind Cristiano Rolando’s record-breaking move to Al Nassr.

“Those players that would come out and say, we are playing football for passion this and all that, bro, it’s money [they are playing for]. At the end of it all, we are all playing [football] for money.

“Look at those that are going to Saudi Arabia, big players. Ronaldo, is it passion he is still playing for? Ronaldo has made hundred times what I’ve had in my life, he still went to Saudi Arabia. So you want to tell me it’s passion? It’s for money, bro,” he said.