Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu believes Neymar will eventually be among the best players in the world once he has settled and matured at the Camp Nou.
Bartomeu was speaking at an event with Esporte Terra quoting the president’s views on the Brazilian superstar. He claimed that Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova and current Barca boss Tata Martino all wanted the 22-year-old.
“Guardiola, Tito Vilanova and Tata all wanted Neymar,” revealed Bartomeu.
“Neymar is still very young but over time he will be one of the top three in the world. He is a distinguished athlete.”
The Catalan president was predictably asked about Neymar’s controversial transfer to Spain from Brazil, a summer switch which has dominated newspaper inches recently.
Bartomeu explained again their recent voluntary tax payment, he said: “Everything was very fast and it does not surprise us.
“We did not want people to think this was a back hand payment. We made a payment to the treasury for prudence but that same money has already been taxed in Brazil.”
