Brazil and Santos icon Pelé has advised his club’s current idol Neymar to join Barcelona, insisting it would be the best place for the young forward to continue his development.
Neymar, 21, has thus far resisted a move to Europe, but is regularly linked with a move to either Barcelona or Manchester City post-2014 World Cup.
Pelé, whose opinion still carries weight at Santos and across Brazil, was also quick to stress that he believes his successor as the club’s No. 11 to be too young to carry the burden of Brazil’s expectations ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
He told reporters: “The game is tougher in England, Italy and Germany because the referees usually let play go on. Barcelona would be ideal for him.
“Santos need him and for that reason I don’t think he should leave but if he must go it should be to Barcelona.
“He is an excellent player but he doesn’t have any experience outside Brazil. In every game he plays outside Brazil, he doesn’t do well. Everybody thinks Neymar can solve the national team’s problems, but he isn’t ready for that burden.”
Neymar will sit out this weekend’s Campeonato Paulista fixtures as he serves a suspension following his dismissal against Ponte Preta last weekend.
Source: Daily Mail
