Brazil legend Ronaldinho has thrown his weight behind compatriot Neymar for the Ballon D’Or award as voting was brought to a close by FIFA. Ronaldinho Gaucho, winner of the prestigious award in 2004 and 2005 whilst playing for Barcelona, thinks that, on current form, Neymar Junior is the best player in the world.
Speaking after a UNICEF Charity match at Old Trafford, Ronaldinho told the Daily Mirror, “In current form, Neymar is the best in the world. His rise does not surprise me whatsoever. Even as a child, his ability was obvious. The age at which he is, I think he can progress and get better and better. Now that he has reached the level of world’s best, can remain there for five or six years, comfortably.”
Ronaldinho was asked how Neymar would fare in the Premier League, with the player linked with a move to Manchester United, “It’s not easy to do well in the Premier League, but, yes, of course he would succeed in it. I see no reason for Barcelona let him leave. But if he left, I’m sure it would be for a record sum,”
“He can and should do well in any league in the world. Of course, there is always a transition period. But when you have so much skill, you can be successful in any league, in any country,” he continued. Neymar’s Barcelona take on rivals Real Madrid in the clasico on Saturday evening, with Lionel Messi possibly returning to the fray alongside Neymar. Ronaldinho is still without a club after his release by Fluminense in September.
