Brazil legend Kaká says the criticism Neymar has come in for since Brazil’s World Cup exit has been overly harsh.
The Seleção exited at the quarter-final stage after losing a close fought tie with Belgium. However, Neymar earned many brickbats for perceived histrionics during the tournament.
But the recently retired Kaká insists that it is not fair to blame the player for the fact that Brazil did not win the trophy.
“This search for the one to blame is what I don't agree with too much," Kaka told Omnisport.
“Brazil lost. It wasn't Neymar who lost. The Brazilian national team was eliminated in the quarter-finals.
"The response to everything he does is very unbalanced. When he does something good, it's very big. And when something not so good happens, it's also very big.
"He, as a 26-year-old lad, has to manage all this… I think he's fine. Many who criticise Neymar are much older and more mature than Neymar is today.
"Faced with all the situations he faces, given the age he is… I'm a fan of Neymar. And that's speaking about him as a celebrity. As an athlete, he's an excellent player."
