Both Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso of Santos have been touted as stars of tomorrow, and are in high demand among the top clubs. Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked with Neymar, 19, while it is believed AC Milan are interested in Ganso, 21.
The two young stars have already made their debuts for the Seleção and now Robinho says the time is right for them to further their club careers by joining a European team. “I think both players are ready to leave Brazil because they are at a different level,” he told The Daily Mail.
“They have impressive quality. It’s about joining the right team, one which respects the qualities of the player,” continued Robinho, who briefly played alongside the two in 2010 when he was loaned to Santos by Manchester City. “To keep improving, they will have to choose well, because they might have to change the way they play.”
But Robinho, who endured a tough time during his spell in England, does not see a future for the pair there. “With Neymar and Ganso’s characteristics, I think they will do well in Spain and Italy. Imagine Neymar playing for Barcelona, with Lionel Messi and David Villa. My God!”
Having also started his career at Santos, Robinho is no stranger to the situation Neymar and Ganso find themselves in. Should they move to Europe, they would be following in his footsteps, as he joined Real Madrid in 2005 at a similar age and became a recognised name worldwide.
Neymar helped Santos reach the final of the Copa Libertadores last night, and along with Robinho, is in Mano Menezes’ squad for the friendlies against the Netherlands and Romania. The squad will be trimmed after these games for the Copa America, and Ganso has been given time to recover from his injury before a final decision is made.
