DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo prefers Spain's La Liga over the English Premier League because he says it allows individual players to shine.

Ronaldo, who played for Manchester United for six years before joining Real Madrid, said he "learned the elementary and basic rules of football, especially discipline" while in England. But he said La Liga was the best league in the world because it "relies on players' skills and techniques."

Ronaldo spoke Wednesday at the Dubai International Sports Conference.

He is the Spanish league's top scorer this year.



Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press