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Neymar has picked former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva as the toughest opponent he has faced in his career in an interview with VIVA Sport. The superstar forward played alongside Silva at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as well as for the Brazil national team. They have also faced each other during the Brazilian attacker's stint at Barcelona.
Silva was one of the Parisian club's most influential players when Neymar used to play for Barca. Silva left PSG to join Chelsea in 2020 and went on to win the Champions League with the Blues.
The VIVA Sport interviewer asked:
Who is the toughest player you have played against?"
Neymar replied:
"Thiago Silva."
Video of their rapid-fire questions as below:
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Silva's stint with the west London outfit has, however, come to an end. Silva will leave the club as a free agent and return to Brazilian club Fluminense, where he played before his move to AC Milan in 2009.
Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders of the modern era. He has played for clubs like Chelsea, AC Milan, PSG, and more during his legendary career and is also a veteran at the international level.
Silva made his international debut for Brazil back in 2008 and has made 113 appearances for the Selecao. His final appearance for Brazil came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the five-time world champions were eliminated after a quarter-final loss to Croatia.
Neymar hails Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian is set to complete a summer transfer to the Blues. The Palmeiras youngster is one of the best talents in world football at the moment. Neymar has endorsed the youngster, stating that Estevao Willian has the potential to be a great player. He said (via ESPN):
"He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today. I think he's going to be a genius."
Estevao Willian, also known as 'Messinho', is set to complete a €61.5 million move to Stamford Bridge. Willian was recently named the best Brazilian talent since Neymar by 1994 FIFA World Cup winner Branco.
The 17-year-old has made 24 senior appearances for Palmeiras, scoring five goals and giving three assists.
