RIYADH: Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has come in for criticism in 黑料社区 after he suggested to new Al-Hilal signing Neymar that all he had to do was greet his new employers and they will throw more money at him.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was seen making the derogatory remark in a video bidding farewell to his departing teammate ahead of his move to Riyadh.
鈥淛ust say 鈥楽alam Aleykum鈥 and they will give you an additional 鈧500 ($544),鈥 Hakimi said jokingly to Al-Hilal鈥檚 new star signing.
The circulated video caused controversy among Saudi fans on social media platforms.
Many took the comment to be disrespectful and ungrateful, particularly as Hakimi had been named 鈥淏est Arab Sportsman鈥 at the Joy Awards recently held in Riyadh.
Among the comments on the platform X, formerly Twitter, were 鈥淚 suggest he send back the trophy back on Aramex, he doesn鈥檛 deserve it鈥; and 鈥渆ven if it was joke, he shouldn鈥檛 have said it.鈥
One commenter said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 insulting, as if he isn鈥檛 Muslim and speaking like the Europeans.鈥
Some accepted that it was a joke, and others played down its message.
鈥淚f we take it from a positive perspective, even if he鈥檚 not joking, it鈥檚 a testament to our generosity,鈥 said one user, @DMA87_.
Brazilian superstar Neymar is joining the former Saudi and Asian champions on a two-year deal for a whopping 鈧150 million per season.
Neymar was unveiled to fans at Al-Hilal on Saturday as he became the latest world-famous footballer to sign for a club in the Saudi Pro League.
