'Waste of time' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic brutally shuts down Cristiano Ronaldo claim

The Portuguese superstar, who currently plies his trade at Al Nassr, has sparked huge debate after his controversial suggestion at the Globe Soccer Awards in December.

Ronaldo labelled Paris Saint-Germain the only noteworthy team in the French top-flight, as he suggested the level of competition between teams is greater in Saudi Arabia.

The Manchester United legend said: "Saudi 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."

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The bold claim immediately provoked backlash, with former France international Adil Rami later slamming Ronaldo's comments, saying he 'talks s***'.

And Ibrahimovic, who scored 156 goals in 180 games for PSG, has now become latest figure to hit back at the sporting great's comments.

The Swedish icon refused to accept Ronaldo's argument, and instead argued that Ligue 1 ranks in the top three European leagues.

He said: "There is nothing to answer - you can't debate something when there is no evidence for one side.

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"PSG is one of the great clubs of Europe in a very good league. Maybe only Spain and England can for sure say they are a superior league.

"I can't even reply to a suggestion that the Saudi League is superior - I won't even waste my time."

Despite widespread criticism however, Ronaldo has been supported in his claim by one former PSG star.

Brazilian hero Neymar, who joined Saudi outfit Al Hilal from the Parisian giants in 2023, recently shared his agreement with his league rival.

Speaking to CNN Sport earlier this month, 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."

And Neymar's numbers since swapping France for the Middle East may well support his argument.

The talented forward scored 118 goals in 173 games for the Parisians, before making the move to Al Hilal for a league £69million fee.

But a string of injuries have hampered his progress, and he has since made just seven appearances in 15 months at the club, scoring just once.

Most recently, Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus revealed that the Brazilian will not be registered for the remainder of his side's league campaign, and claimed he is unable to play at the level he expects.

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Ronaldo, however, has had no such difficulty adapting to life in Saudi Arabia.

Since joining Al Nassr from Man United in January 2023, the Portugal hero has netted a staggering 81 goals in all competitions, and has found the net 60 times in as many league appearances.