Ligue 1 less strong than the Saudi championship? “It’s Ronaldo’s opinion, not mine,” says Luiz Felipe

His experience in Saudi Arabia for a year and a half was not a great success. Luiz Felipe, the new OM defender, recently recruited during the winter transfer window, spoke at a press conference this Wednesday. The former Al-Ittihad player rushed to the aid of Ligue 1, which had been brought down by the two world stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, believing that the Saudi championship, where they play, is superior to the French championship.

Luiz Felipe sang the praises of Ligue 1, which he will soon discover: “I think that today, all the championships are difficult. There are no more easy matches. I came to play here against Nice and Marseille. They were always difficult matches with very physical players. I think what Ronaldo expressed is his opinion, but it’s not mine. »

“I will have to be ready for the duels”

“I really think that here we see a championship which is developing, with a high level of attackers who are very physical. I say it as a defender, these are players who take the depth and I will have to be ready for the duels. But I really think the championship here is very strong. »

An opinion that contrasts with that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had scratched Ligue 1: “The Saudi League is not worse than Ligue 1, Ronaldo had already declared in January 2024. The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1 , I can say that after a year spent there. We are already better than the French championship now. They can say whatever they want, I know what I’m saying. That’s my opinion. »

In December, the Portuguese star hit the nail on the head: “Do I stand by my words? Of course ! I’m not saying that because I play here (in Saudi Arabia). I don’t care what people think. They should come here and play to see. In France, there is only PSG, the others are finished. That’s my opinion, I don’t care what they say. France is only PSG, sorry. It’s a competitive team, OK, but PSG is the strongest. No one can compete with him. They have the best players, they are the club with the most money. It’s factual. »

An opinion shared by Neymar: “The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and, from what I see, it is better than that of Ligue 1. I played in this championship, so I know it well . But today the Saudi Pro League players are better. I think it’s a country that continues to develop. »