21 January 2024 , 00:36
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Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed Ligue 1 - claiming the "improving" Saudi Pro League is already better because it's more competitive.
Ronaldo's criticism of France's top division is a blow to Kylian Mbappe, who is the league's biggest star. Mbappe, 25, has scored 19 Ligue 1 goals this season - 10 more than anyone else. His form has fired Paris Saint-Germain eight points clear at the top of the table.
Mbappe rejected a move to Saudi Arabia last summer but could decide to quit PSG in six months' time when his contract expires. Real Madrid are leading the race for the Frenchman's signature, but Liverpool and other Premier League clubs are on red alert.
Ronaldo's comments may have an impact on Mbappe's decision. The World Cup winner is keen to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d'Or and Champions League five times each. He may never win either of those prizes if he stays in France.
Ronaldo, who is the Saudi Pro League's top scorer this season with 20 goals, was asked about the division's quality during an interview at the Globe Soccer Awards. He said: "To be honest, I don't think the Saudi Pro League is not worse than the French league.
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"In France, you have two or three teams with a good level, in Saudi it's more competitive - they can say whatever they want, it's my opinion, I have played there one year so I know what I'm talking about. Right now, I think it's better than the French league (and) we're still improving.
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"Many players, coaches, directors, even nutritionists, Saudi is in a process - it will take long - but step by step, it will reach the highest level. I believe it will be one of the top three or four (leagues) in the world, but step by step we will reach that."
Mbappe won't join the Saudi Pro League in the next transfer window, but there's a good chance he'll leave PSG. He admitted as much during a recent interview with GQ after being asked about Lionel Messi's move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and Neymar's switch to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal. Both players left PSG last summer.
"Many great players who have shaped the history of football have left Europe this summer and we are entering a new era," said Mbappe. "It’s become part of the cycle of this sport and at some point it will be my turn to leave. I’m not worried about these changes. I’m simply thinking about continuing my career and following my own path."