The transfer of Brazilian star Neymar from Santos to Barcelona has created quite a stir in the Spanish league. While Neymar’s much anticipated arrival in Spain, on a deal worth fifty seven million Euros, is regarded as a coup by many, Pele chose to be a little remorseful about the signing.
The forward is expected to be a great combination with Lionel Messi and is already being considered as a viable candidate for the Ballon d’Or. But Pele who was with Santos for nearly two decades, out of profound loyalty to the club, has admitted that he feels like his club has lost their lucky charm. But he also added that he wishes Neymar nothing but the best for his journey ahead.
Pele has been a benchmark and a standard by which the other players have been measured against.
The tag of “the next Pele”, to some, is more prestigious than an individual award. When asked about this, Pele said: “I said to be the new Pele would be very difficult, because my mother and my father, they have closed the machine. But no doubt, Neymar is one of the best players we have in Brazil.”