08 September 2023 , 20:09
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Neymar has fired a less than subtle dig towards Paris Saint-Germain and former team-mate Kylian Mbappe by claiming the Saudi Pro League might be stronger than the French top flight.
The Brazilian quit the reigning Ligue 1 champions this summer with a move to Al-Hilal. The Saudi side paid around £77m for his services and he put pen to paper on a contract that will see him earn around £2.5m per week.
The move to the Gulf state brought to an end a rollercoaster spell in the French capital for Neymar. He managed to put together an impressive goalscoring record at the Parc des Princes but he endured a love-hate relationship with the club’s fans.
Another sticking point that he had to overcome was his indifferent relationship with attacking colleague Mbappe. The French forward appeared to accuse the Brazilian of not being fully committed last season with an “everyone needs to eat and sleep well” remark.
Whilst he insisted that relations were cordial between the two pair, Neymar has fired a parting shot at Mbappe and Ligue 1 by suggesting that they could soon be overtaken by the Saudi Pro League. Speaking whilst on international duty with Brazil, the forward said: “I guarantee you the football is the same.
Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured
“The ball is round, there are goals. And with all the names in the Saudi League today, it might be better than the French league.”
Neymar is unveiled as an Al-Hilal player (Getty Images)What do you make to Neymar's comments? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Neymar has yet to make his debut for his new employers since completing his big-money switch. Due to the latest international break, he might be forced to wait until next Friday for their clash against Al-Riyadh.
Al-Hilal currently sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches of the season. They will be hoping to lift yet another league title having won a record 18 titles having relinquished their crown to Al-Ittihad last term.
Neymar has underlined his ambitions to lift more silverware during his time in Saudi Arabia. He added: "I want to win titles for Al Hilal, my head won't change much.
“Everyone said the same when I went to France [about competitiveness], and it was the place I was hit the most in my life. I am sure that it won't be easy to win the Saudi championship, other teams got stronger, have famous players. It will be very interesting and I am sure you will be watching."
Meanwhile, Mbappe’s former club PSG have enjoyed a promising start to the new campaign. They are two points behind league leaders Monaco after two wins and two draws from the opening four matches of the season.