Riyan Parag has revealed that Manchester United are the Premier League club closest to his heart, with the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder crediting his childhood connection to the club and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
A passionate follower of the Premier League, Parag spoke to JioStar ahead of the 2026/27 season and explained why Manchester United have always been his team of choice.
“When it comes to football, Manchester United is the team for me. I grew up watching them and admiring their players. I loved the red jersey, and I really admired Cristiano Ronaldo during his time there. So, that explains my choice,” Parag said.
His association with Manchester United has also featured in JioStar’s ‘Humara Long Distance Love’ campaign ahead of the new Premier League season.
Riyan Parag picks Cristiano Ronaldo as his favourite footballer
Parag’s admiration for Manchester United is closely linked to one of the club’s most iconic players.
The Indian cricketer singled out Cristiano Ronaldo as the footballer he has admired above all others, highlighting the Portuguese star’s journey from Sporting CP to becoming one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.
“I’ve always admired one player above all others, Cristiano Ronaldo. The way he came from Sporting CP as a young kid, and then what he did in the Premier League and how he elevated it. I don’t think any other player comes close,” he said.
Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 before developing into one of the defining players of his generation during his first spell at Old Trafford.
For Parag, that journey remains a major part of his connection with the club.
Riyan Parag wants Cole Palmer to score more Premier League goals
While Ronaldo remains Parag’s favourite footballer, the Indian cricketer has identified Chelsea’s Cole Palmer as the player he wants to see score the most goals in the Premier League.
Parag believes Palmer has the tactical, mental and technical qualities required to reach another level, but feels the England international can add more goals to his game.
“In the Premier League, I want to see Palmer score the most goals. He is strong tactically, mentally, and technically. I think he needs to add more goals to his game, and that’s what I want to see from him,” Parag said.
Palmer has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading attacking players, and Parag’s comments highlight the Chelsea star as one of the players he will be watching closely during the 2026/27 campaign.
Riyan Parag picks Haaland for cricket switch, Jofra Archer for football
Parag was also asked which footballer could successfully make the transition to cricket and which cricketer could make the move in the opposite direction.
His choice for cricket was Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
“Haaland keeps himself incredibly fit and he’s incredibly tall, so I think he would adapt very well to cricket if he ever tried it,” Parag said.
For the cricket-to-football switch, Parag went with his Rajasthan Royals teammate Jofra Archer.
Archer is a keen football fan and, according to Parag, could potentially make the transition to the sport.
“And my Rajasthan Royals teammate Jofra Archer, he’s really into football. He plays with me in the IPL for RR and he would surely be a great football player,” he added.
Parag’s comments offer another glimpse into the growing crossover between India’s cricket audience and the Premier League, with players such as the Rajasthan Royals star openly discussing their clubs, favourite players and interest in English football.
The 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway on August 22, with all the action available live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.