Newcastle United striker Demba Ba believes French clubs suffer because they are unwilling to take risks.
Ba, a French-born Senegal international, has been in fine form for Newcastle this season since joining on a free transfer from West Ham United at the end of last term.
He claims Ligue 1 side Rennes were interested in his services in the past, but the club opted not to pursue him further.
"Rennes wanted me at one point, but in France they have a problem; they don't like taking risks," Ba told France Football.
"But if you don't take risks, you don't get anywhere. You pass by the periphery of many things, like life and football."
Prior to his arrival in English football with West Ham, Ba spent time with Hoffenheim, Mouscron and French side Rouen.
He returned from his country's disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign to score the first goal in Newcastle's 2-1 English Premier League victory over Aston Villa last weekend.