Neymar says that Saudi Pro League is “maybe” better than Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Speaking at a press conference whilst on international duty with Brazil, former Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar (31) said that the Saudi Pro League is “maybe” better than Ligue 1.

Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in what remains a world record deal worth €222m. He went on to make 173 appearances for the Les Parisiens, scoring 118 goals and registering 77 assists. 82 of those goals and 50 of those assists came in Ligue 1 as Neymar went on to win the Ligue 1 title five times during his stay at the Parc des Princes.

However, the Brazilian international was sold this summer, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a €90m deal. He was just one of many big-name players to move from the European market to the Gulf State. According to estimates from Transfermarkt, Saudi clubs spent £784m during the summer transfer window, which has now closed. PIF clubs were reasonable for much of that spending.

Questioned about whether he was happy about his move to Saudi Arabia, he responded, “Football is the same there, the ball is round, like everywhere else. Given the big names that make up the league, maybe this league is better than Ligue 1. The training sessions are intense. I am hungry for titles, and I want to win with Al-Hilal. What people say doesn’t matter to me. They said that Ligue 1 was weak, but I suffered the most there. [The Saudi league] is going to be interesting and I’m sure you’re going to watch it,” said the former PSG forward in a press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle