Cristiano Ronaldo 'doesn’t deserve to be answered’ for saying Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1 as fellow Portuguese coaching in France makes stinging comment

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who moved to the Middle East in January 2023, has claimed that the division he currently operates in is “not worse than the French league”. He has helped to raise the profile of Al-Nassr and Saudi football as a whole, but his latest comments have left many in Europe surprised.

Former France international Laure Boulleau has accused Ronaldo of having a “big ego” and only speaking out against Ligue 1 “because Lionel Messi played here” – with his eternal rival having spent two years at Paris Saint-Germain before linking up with MLS outfit Inter Miami.

Current Lille boss Fonseca has now addressed controversial comments from his fellow countryman, with the ex-Porto and Roma coach saying when asked if there is any truth to Ronaldo’s claims: “I don't think it's good what he said. I don't want to make a comparison. If he feels happy in Saudi Arabia, I'm happy for him. There are things that don't deserve to be answered. I'm wasting my time answering them. These statements are part of it. I think intelligent people will understand why he made this statement.”

Ronaldo won trophies in England, Spain and Italy during his time in Europe and is continuing to star in the Middle East at 38 years of age – with the evergreen frontman posting a world-leading 54 goals across his appearances for club and country in 2023.