Santos superstar Neymar believes that this year’s Paulistão could be one of the best, and most difficult, ever.
Neymar, 20, has been part of the Santos side that has won the past three Paulista championships but the forward is aware that it will be a lot more difficult this year.
“The championship will be tough. All team have strengthened, all well stocked with great players. I think it will be one of the best Paulista Championships there has ever been,” Neymar told Globo Esporte.
The close season has seen a number of big moves in Brazilian football, the majority coming in the Paulista state, with Walter Montillo moving to Santos from Cruzeiro, former Juventus defender Lucio moving to São Paulo where he will link up with a fit again Ganso, Alexandre Pato signing for Corinthians and, potentially, Juan Roman Riquelme moving to Palmeiras.
The sentiments of Neymar were backed up by his captain Edu Dracena.
“It will be one of the toughest in recent years. I believe in our rapport and we go in search of this title. Many of these players are together for three years, which is an important factor.”
Santos will open their new season with an away fixture against São Bernardo on Saturday evening.
Source: Globo Esporte
