Neymar defends Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial remarks on Ligue 1 as Al-Hilal star insists Saudi Pro League has 'better players'

At the Globe Soccer Awards last month, Al-Nassr star Ronaldo made a bold claim about the quality of the Saudi Pro League as he said: "The Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1, of course. I'm not saying that because I play here. I don't care what people think about it. Players should come here and they will see quickly. Just try to do sprints at 38, 39, 40 degrees...Come and you will see. If you don't believe me, come. In France, they only have PSG, everyone else is finished. Nobody can beat them because they have the most money and the best players."

Ronaldo's claim has invited criticism and trolling, with ex-France international Emmanuel Petit advising the Portuguese icon to remain silent instead of garnering negative attention by making loose comments on a public platform. However, former Paris Saint-Germain talisman Neymar has come to the Al-Nassr captain's defence.

Speaking to CNN Sport, the Neymar said: "Today, I think it is [stronger]. The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing and, from what I see, it’s better than Ligue 1. Ligue 1 has its positives. The league is very strong. I played in it, so I know this well.

"Today (though), the players in the Saudi Pro League are better. Saudi Arabia has surprised me in a positive way. The people, the country, the cities, the culture. I think it’s a country that’s continually growing. It will also host the World Cup in 2034, which I think will be incredible."

After enjoying a brief winter break, Ronaldo will be back in action for Al-Nassr on January 9 as they take on Al-Akhdoud in a Saudi Pro League clash. Neymar, meanwhile, could feature in Al-Hilal's King Cup of Champions quarter-final tie against Al-Ittihad on Tuesday night after recovering from his latest injury blow.