“They take care but not enough, unlike Europe” — Al Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte reveals experiences beyond Europe in Saudi Arabia
Fans claim Laporte is paid for anti-Saudi league statements.
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Aymeric Laporte made some surprising revelations regarding the Saudi PL. (via Football 365)
Al-Nassr center-back Aymeric Laporte, while speaking to Spanish media outlet AS, expressed the challenges faced by players in the Saudi Pro League, stating that adjusting to the new environment is more challenging than in Europe. He further mentioned dissatisfaction among players in the league.
The Spanish defender’s comments differ from those of his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Recently, at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo stated that the Saudi League is more competitive than the French League. Laporte, who joined Al-Nassr from Manchester City last summer, was once considered a significant signing. However, the scenario has shifted, with many notable signings now looking to leave.
The 29-year-old defender recently remarked that the European players have found it difficult to adapt to the much newer surroundings. He emphasized the significant changes in Europe and highlighted ongoing negotiations to address the dissatisfaction among many players. Laporte suggested that the adjustment is also new for the clubs, who may need to adapt to a more serious approach due to the presence of experienced European players.
It is a big change compared to Europe, but in the end it is all about adaptation. They have not made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players that are discontented. We are working on it every day. They take care of us, but not enough for my taste. That is to say, in Europe they pay you a good salary, but they take better care of you.Aymeric Laporte spoke to AS
Additionally, he acknowledged financial incentives as a major reason why players move to Saudi, and affirmed that he does not have any plans to depart Al-Nassr.
The Spanish center-back also highlighted the problems of the lack of professionalism in the Saudi PL at times. Laporte’s statements come at a major juncture when the Middle Eastern league’s popularity and structure are being highly debated by football fans.
Ayemeric Laporte’s stats since joining Al-Nassr
The former Manchester City defender, Aymeric Laporte made an unexpected move to the Saudi PL side Al-Nassr in the summer transfer window of 2023, for a deal worth £23.6 million. He joined a long list of players in a mass exodus to the middle-eastern league, highlighting the growing popularity of the SPL.
Laporte, the priciest defender in the Saudi Pro League, has played 22 matches for Al-Nassr since his move to Riyadh, scoring twice. Under Luis Castro, he partners with Ali Lajami or Abdulelah Al-Amri as the preferred center-back and has contributed one assist this season. Known for his strong physicality and passing skills, Laporte is a key figure for Al-Nassr. The team currently holds the second spot in the SPL, trailing leaders Al-Hilal by seven points.
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Siddhartha Roy
(730 Articles Published)