Neymar will never win the coveted ballon D’or at PSG and must leave the French outfit for Real Madrid in order to do so, insists Brazilian legend Rivaldo.
Speaking to GloboEsporte in the two players’ shared homeland, the former Barcelona legend, who stood out in a fairly ordinary Blaugrana side in the late 90’s while Madrid nabbed Luis Figo and won three Champions Leagues from 1998 to 2002, claims to have personally advised Neymar as such.
“He could be the best in the world” Rivaldo explained “But I believe that if he stays at PSG, it won’t happen.”
Without directly attacking Ligue 1 itself, the 2002 World Cup winner, who became a pastor and opened an Evangelical church in Angola upon retirement, suggested the lack of competitive football in France will serve as a detriment to the young attacker.
"Football for him, if he’s to become the best in the world, has to be in Spain. If you're going to analyse it: there's England, Spain, Italy, Germany – they’re all different - but I'm talking about competitive football.” went on Rivaldo, who ruled out a second spell at the Nou Camp for Neymar whilst claiming to have it from “close” sources that a move to the Bernabeu is in the pipeline.
"Barcelona, because of his situation, is difficult. But I believe that, from what I hear, from people who relay information to me, he has a chance to play for Real Madrid. Then, yes, [with a move to Madrid] I think he can become the best in the world."
Currently recovering from an ankle injury, Neymar is expected to resume training in the middle of May and could even make what some believe would be his final appearance for PSG in their last game of the season. Yesterday, social media footage of the 26-year-old riding a bicycle with friends excited fans eagerly anticipating his return.
