Neymar recently told a press conference that he does not feel 100% physically capable to play the first two World Cup qualifying matches with the Brazilian national team.
Due to an injury to his right ankle which has kept him sidelined since February, the famous striker has clarified that he is not yet able to play for his new club, Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Neymar also compared the competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League to that of the French Ligue 1, saying the Saudi league could even be better.
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Brazil will face Bolivia in their first World Cup qualifying match, followed by a match against Peru. Neymar mentioned that he had played for the national team under similar conditions in the past and managed to cope with it. Despite his current physical state, Neymar says he is happy and mentally confident.
Neymar compares Saudi Pro League to Ligue 1
Neymar, who faced criticism from French fans in recent years and left Paris Saint-Germain amid rumors he was unwanted at the club, also took the chance to criticize his previous league.
“For the names that went to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was better than the French league”
Neymar couldn't resist 🤣
(via @BBCMOTD) pic.twitter.com/adpjq8R9Ql
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 8, 2023
When asked about his plans to maintain his competitiveness in a league outside Europe, Neymar replied: “I can assure you that the football there, in Saudi Arabia, is similar. The ball is round, there is a goal, and if you look at the players who have gone to play in the Saudi Pro League… I don’t know if it is better than the French Ligue 1 or not.”
Neymar has not failed to mention his desire to win titles with Al Hilal and says his mentality and motivation remain the same no matter what league he plays in.
