When Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro revealed on Monday that Neymar had spoken to former Brazil colleague Ronaldinho over a move to the club, it was in the knowledge that he was about to spark a media frenzy.
The plan worked and Neymar, 20, who at times is seen as an informal spokesman for Santos was questioned in his Brazil national team press conference over a possible deal.
A move is thought to be a possibility, given Ronaldinho’s availability on a free transfer and the commercial benefits of combining the star with Neymar, but the youngster insists the duo have done no more than joke about the chance of playing together next campaign.
“Ronaldinho is a good friend of mine and my family. Whenever people are talking about a good player, they always joke ‘come and play here’,” Neymar explained to Lancenet. “It was a joke, nothing more.”
Asked whether he would prefer to be joined by Ronaldinho or former team-mate Robinho, Neymar replied diplomatically: “I would sign them both – easy!”
