Djibril Cisse has made a bold statement that former Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa is “as good as” Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi.
Ben Arfa became a fan favourite during his time at Newcastle and scored 14 times and registered 15 assists in 86 appearances across all competitions.
The 34-year-old French winger went on to play for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Rennes and Bordeaux after his spell at St James’ Park.
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Ben Arfa was widely revered for his skills and dribbling, but the Frenchman failed to live up to the high expectations that were placed on his shoulders.
Former Liverpool striker Cisse played alongside Ben Arfa for both Marseille and France.
The 40-year-old, who hasn’t played football since his time with Panathinaikos Chicago, sensationally compared a prime Ben Arfa with Messi.
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Cisse told Booska-P’s Soyons Foot YouTube show: “Technically, Hatem… I might seem crazy but I think that Ben Arfa at a good level is as good as a Messi.
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“I’ve seen him do things… […] I’ll say it again, Hatem at his best, is Messi.”
Ben Arfa left Bordeaux back in May after the club’s former sporting director, Alain Roche, confirmed his contract would not be renewed.
The former France international’s old Bordeaux contract had the option to be extended by 12 months, but Roche claimed the “sporting criteria” to renew the deal were “not hit.”
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Messi is in his first season with PSG after leaving Barcelona in the summer on a free transfer.
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The 34-year-old Argentine forward has scored three times in eight appearances for the Ligue 1 leaders this season.
The Barcelona legend, who is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, has come under criticism over his slow start to life in the French capital.
Former PSG and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has hit out at Messi and claimed the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is “not so extraordinary” at the Parisian-based club.
Featured Image Credit: PA/Booska-P YouTubeTopics: Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1, France, Football