FC Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has explained why Lionel Messi's relationship with Neymar is similar to his own with the Argentine when he was a youngster.
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The 36-year-old, who is still without a club, helped Messi find his feet in the Catalan giants' first team when he was a teenager, and believes the 29-year-old is now playing a similar role for his countryman Neymar.
"I am not there to see. But I believe the attention and dedication I had for Messi is the same thing Messi is doing for Neymar because it's very important for a more experienced player to share things with younger players," Ronaldinho said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"And that, I believe, is one of the reasons why Neymar has adapted to the club and their style of play."
Ronaldinho also stated that Messi is the best player in the game, despite retiring from international football after losing his fourth major final with the Albiceleste.
"For me, Messi leaving international football does not change anything," the Brazilian added.
"He is still the best football player in the world. The respect I have for him doesn't change at all.
"And if he really has decided to leave international football, then the sport will miss his presence, and so will the fans."
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The trickster lifted six trophies during five years at the Camp Nou, as well as the FIFA World Cup and Copa America with Brazil, while Neymar has already won eight titles in his first three seasons with the club, but is still searching for his first major international trophy with the Selecao.
Do you think Neymar can also lead Brazil to silverware? Have your say in the comments section below.
