Laporte slams Saudi league as MLS could benefit from 'dissatisfaction'
Former Premier League star Aymeric Laporte has criticised Saudi Arabian football, which could inadvertently boost the reputation of MLS as a top alternative to Europe's leading leagues.
The comparative standards of MLS and Saudi Pro League have been in the spotlight recently due to the signings of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo respectively. The latter even previously made controversial comments in July, comparing the standard of the MLS unfavourably with the Saudi Pro League.
However, some high-profile players who moved to Saudi Arabia have been linked with moves away from the country even after joining just last year. Former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson left Al-Ettifaq just months after signing, while stars like Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino are rumoured to be considering their futures.
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Former Manchester City defender Laporte has now opened up about the challenges faced by top-level footballers who have recently moved to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to Spanish outlet AS about his experiences at Al-Nassr, he said: "It's a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it's all adaptation.
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"They haven't made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players who are dissatisfied, but hey; We are working on it every day, negotiating so to speak, and to see if it improves a little because this is something new for them too, having European players who already have a long career."
Laporte continued: "Maybe they are not used to this and have to adapt to a little more seriousness," he continued. "In every sense, but also on a day-to-day basis. Life for them... they take everything lightly. The ultimatum you can give them doesn't matter to them.
"I mean, they're really going about their business. You negotiate something and then they don't accept it after you have signed it. They fight you."
Aymeric Laporte has spoken about his experience of life at Al-Nassr (Getty Images)The Spanish international also hinted at issues adapting to life outside of football in Saudi Arabia. He added: "To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football. Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such.
He added: "In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car. Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car."
While some football stars might be rethinking a move to Saudi Arabia, MLS could end up winning if players choose to avoid the Gulf State. On the flip side, Messi, the face of MLS, shared his happiness about his life in America, saying back in August: "I am grateful and happy for the moment I am living and above all to be able to continue enjoying what I liked all my life, to play and to be able to do it in this way with joy."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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