Friday, 14th September, 2012
Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo believes that countryman Neymar still has some developing to do before he can be placed in the same category as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Neymar has been hailed as one of the finest players in the world, but has yet to move to Europe, insisting he will see out his contract with Santos, which runs until 2014.
The stage seems set for the striker to make the leap to Europe after the 2014 World Cup, which Brazil is due to host.
And for Ronaldo, Neymar cannot bridge the gap between himself and Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi without trying his luck in the old continent.
"I think Neymar still has a phase to complete. To play in Europe and triumph playing in Europe", Ronaldo told CNN World Sport when asked about how he rates Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo and whether Neymar should be included amongst the pair.
"Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo without a doubt are the best players today."
The former Brazil striker also added that he believes Argentine Messi has the edge over Cristiano Ronaldo at present.
"I give preference to Messi, because he is a player who fascinates us more, who shows more creativity.
"Even though he is from Argentina, which has a big rivalry with Brazil! But he is a player I admire a lot.
"In fact, both of them. But I think Messi is a little above Cristiano Ronaldo."
Latest Features:
- – South American 2014 World Cup Qualifying Heating Up
- – Pizarro Aiming To Be More Than Bit-part Player at Bayern Munich
- – Van Persie Threatens to Overshadow Rooney at Man Utd
- – “Amateurish” Cameroon Face Up to Life Without Samuel Eto’o
