A French football legend has advised Cristiano Ronaldo to ‘keep quiet’ after the Portuguese star made a controversial statement regarding the Saudi Pro League.
For the past 14 months, Ronaldo has been representing Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, having joined the club as a free agent following his departure from Manchester United.
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His move to the Gulf State was followed by a trend of Premier League players signing for Saudi Pro League teams.
Ronaldo, the highest-paid footballer globally, has successfully adjusted to life in Saudi Arabia both on and off the field. However, he recently faced a one-match suspension for making an inappropriate gesture towards opposing fans.
Despite criticism of the quality of the Saudi Pro League, the 39-year-old has staunchly defended it on multiple occasions.
In January Ronaldo said: “The Saudi league is not worse than Ligue 1. The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now.”
The statement sparked considerable outrage, including from former France and Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.
“It annoys me when I hear Cristiano Ronaldo saying that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1,” the World Cup winner told BetVictor.
“Why do you think he chose to make that comment about Ligue 1 rather than the Portuguese League?
“It’s because Lionel Messi played in Ligue 1. I have lots of respect for him as a player but come on, just shut up! It is unfair to Ligue 1.”
Leboeuf also contended that Ronaldo ought not to feature in Portugal’s squad for the forthcoming Euros in Germany.
“For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play.
“You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League.
“I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone. He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I’m not sure he needed even more money!”
