After scoring for Santos in their Copa Libertadores final triumph on Wednesday, fans and media alike were full of praise for Neymar, who helped Peixe to life the trophy for the first time since 1963, when Pele was a key member of the side.
But Robinho, 27, told Globoesporte: “Pele is the king of football. Every young, black player who appears at Santos is labelled the ‘new Pele.’ But people need to learn how to differentiate, because Pele was a legend.
“There has not been anyone similar to him, nor will there ever be. Another Pele will not be born. Each player needs to make their own history, and Neymar is making his own very well.
“In his short time as a professional, he has already won important trophies for Santos. And we, on the field, need to put comparisons aside, and just try to play football,” he concluded.
After seeing his former side triumph against Penarol on Wednesday night, Robinho was in a buoyant mood. He watched the game in the Brazil team hotel in Argentina, where the squad are based ahead of the Copa America.
Although he missed out on the trophy in 2003 when Santos finished runners-up to Boca Juniors, he claimed a part in the 2011 victory: “I am also a champion!” he joked. “I want my winner’s medal. I will get one from Neymar when he arrives!”
