The Brazil legend has expressed concern about the responsibility resting on the shoulders of the 22-year-old as the nation expects success in the tournament which kicks-off on June 12.
“This is Neymar’s first World Cup and nobody knows exactly what is going to happen. It is a big responsibility for him,” said Pele, who won the World Cup as a 17-year-old in 1958.
“The best thing for Neymar was to come to play in Spain, to play in Europe, the best thing for Brazil. It was like him going off to university for six months and then coming back to play with Brazil, because then they come with more experience. That was fantastic for him.”
“The problem of pressure is not only a problem for Neymar. It is a problem for the whole team, no doubt. Of course, the country, the people, they want to win.”
Pelé was speaking to AFP on Sunday as the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup trophy tour stopped off in Paris and gave his thoughts on who might do well come June.
“We have two or three teams who right now, three months before the World Cup, we can say are very good. I’m thinking of Germany, because I have seen them play many times; Spain, because they have had the same team for eight years, and of course Brazil.
“But you must respect Italy, and in South America Chile is the best team today. The World Cup is always a box of surprises.”
