I was afraid of Messi and Barca stars: Neymar

Rio de Janeiro, July 13 (IANS) Brazilian superstar Neymar has admitted that he was quite overwhelmed when he first saw Lionel Messi and other FC Barcelona icons before his debut for the Catalan giants.

The 24-year-old joined Barcelona from Santos in 2013 and has developed into one of the best in the business.

"I was afraid when I saw Messi and the others before my first Barcelona game," Neymar was quoted as saying by TV Globo on Wednesday.

"I got into the dressing room and Messi, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, (Gerard) Pique and Dani Alves were all there. These guys were my idols. It was almost as if I was playing on the Playstation. It was very difficult in the beginning," he added.

Neymar said it was his Brazilian teammate Dani Alves who helped him settle down at Camp Nou.

"Dani Alves was fundamental for me when I came to Barcelona to help me adapt and become what I am now," he said.

"I have a lot of time for him and for what he did for me at Barcelona."

--IANS

dd/ajb/dg