24 January 2024 , 07:26
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Lille manager Paulo Fonseca has rubbished Cristiano Ronaldo's claim that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, saying his criticism doesn't "deserve to be answered."
Fonseca has hit back at the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star after he declared last week that the cash-rich Saudi Arabian league was "more competitive" than Ligue 1. France's top division is often dominated by Paris Saint-Germain, who Ronaldo's long-time rival, Lionel Messi, spent two seasons playing for until last July.
Ronaldo was speaking at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, during which he also claimed that the coveted Ballon d'Or - which Messi won for a record eighth time in 2023 - is 'losing credibility'. "To be honest, I think the Saudi League is not worse than French league, in my opinion," the 38-year-old, who plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, explained.
"In [the] French league, I think you have two-three teams with a good level. In Saudi now, I think it's more competitive. They can say whatever they want, it's just my opinion. I played there one year so I know what I'm talking about. But I think right now we are better than [the] French league, we still improve."
His Portuguese compatriot isn't having it, though. "I don't think it's good what he said," ex-Roma manager Fonseca, whose Lille side are fifth in the Ligue 1 table midway through his second full season in charge, responded.
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"I don't want to make a comparison. If he feels happy in Saudi Arabia, I'm happy for him. There are things that don't deserve to be answered. I'm wasting my time answering them. These statements are part of it. I think intelligent people will understand why he made this statement."
Former France Women international Laure Boulleau has also criticised the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for his inflammatory comments and accused Ronaldo of having a "big ego." Appearing on Canal+ show Canal Football Club, Boulleau confessed: "I was really surprised by his communication.
Your turn! Which is better - Ligue 1 or the Saudi Pro League? Give us your pick in the comments section.
Ex-France Women international Laure Boulleau has also criticised Cristiano Ronaldo (Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)"Why attack Ligue 1? Because Lionel Messi played here? I asked myself why he mentioned Ligue 1 and not other leagues. I already think it's out of his league to say that. I think he's played in plenty of other leagues, except this one, so I think it's a bit lame. It's not the league he knows best.
"Frankly, you watch Saudi Pro League matches and I honestly don't think it's true. I think it's a phrase of communication, of pride. He's got a big ego. But that doesn't stop me liking Cristiano Ronaldo very much, but I don't like statements like that at all."