Pele: Barcelona would be ideal for Neymar

Brazilian football legend Pele has urged Neymar to join Barcelona instead of Premier League giants Manchester City. Neymar, who has been approached by many clubs interested to sign him, is expected to be leaving Santos following the 2014 World Cup.

Reports suggest that Manchester City, who are leading the race to sign the 21-year-old, are prepared to offer Santos £55 million for him. But Pele has reportedly told Neymar that English football would not suit him and that Barcelona would be the better option. Pele said, “The game is tougher in England, Italy and Germany because the referees usually let play go on. Barcelona would be ideal for him.” He went on to say, “Santos need him and for that reason I don’t think he should leave but if he must go it should be to Barcelona.”

But despite some doubt about Neymar being the saviour to help bring Brazil back to its past glory, Pele believes that he has the potential to be one of the best players in the world. However, the living legend is not too pleased with Neymar’s off-field antics. Pele has said “We think that he is the best in the world, but he is more concerned about appearing in the media than playing for the team. Neymar has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. Right now his major concerns are fashion and his haircut.”

Although Pele may be a living legend, Neymar’s representative Wagner Ribeiro was not amused with his comments. Ribeiro said, “He shouldn’t stick his nose in other people’s personal lives, because his own is a mess.” He went on to say, “He should worry about taking care of his grandsons instead of talking about Neymar’s life. He has never been affectionate with them. This is jealousy. He should look after his own family.”

Ribeiro added that Pele would not be as good as Neymar is if he plays in the current era. He said, “If Pele played today he would be inferior to Neymar because in his era defenders were slow and players’ physical conditions were different. That’s why he was Pele. Today the defenders fly and Neymar still manages to be one of the best in the world.”

Source- Independent