Ronaldo Slammed Over Ligue 1 Criticisms 

Ex-France international Laure Boulleau has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his comments on Ligue 1, and accused the Portuguese of having “a big ego”.

Ronaldo stated that he thought the Saudi Pro League was more competitive than the French Ligue 1 at the Globe Soccer Even in Dubai on Friday. Former Paris Saint-Germain player Boulleau took offence at the remarks, criticising the Portuguese superstar and calling him out for having “a big ego”. She continued by saying that the reason for the seeming jab at the French top division was just because his opponent Lionel Messi used to play there till the 2022–2023 season.

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Boulleau revealed her confusion while speaking on Canal+’s Canal Football Club, saying: “I was really surprised by his communication. 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.”

In 2023, the 38-year-old forward made his first career departure from Europe to play in the Saudi Pro League. He scored 54 goals for club and nation in the calendar year, making him the highest men’s goalscorer in the globe. It was an eventful year for him in the Middle East. At the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season, Messi departed Europe as well and relocated to the US to play for Major League Soccer team Inter Miami.

The two rivals are all set to face each other in a little over a week as Inter Miami will take on Al-Nassr in a friendly Riyadh Cup fixture on February 1.