Neymar needs to move, says Ronaldo

Brazil legend Ronaldo feels Neymar will have to move to Europe if he wants to claim Lionel Messi’s title as the world’s best player.

The Santos starlet is regarded as one of the most exciting attacking talents in world football but there is a debate raging in his homeland over whether the striker needs to test himself in La Liga, Serie A or the English Premier League in order to realise his full potential.

Ronaldo is in no doubt Neymar is destined to do great things no matter where he plies his trade, but he feels joining a club in one of Europe’s biggest leagues would bring the very best out of the 20-year-old.

“Messi is better than all the rest,” the World Cup winner told El Mercurio.

“Neymar is on the right track, but he still needs to find that extra bit of quality and to play well in Europe for several seasons.”

Neymar, meanwhile, has revealed his admiration for Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta after watching Spain triumph at Euro 2012.

The Brazilian international was also impressed by Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Germany playmaker Mesut Oezil, both of Real Madrid, but he felt the Spanish midfielder deserved to win the player of the tournament award.

“I really like Iniesta,” Neymar confessed during an interview with FIFA.com. “I think he’s a sensational player.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is really good as well, and I enjoy watching Oezil of Germany a lot, too. He’s a great player and I’ve always been a big fan of his.”

Spain’s success in Poland and Ukraine saw them become the first nation to win three consecutive major international tournaments, and Neymar praised Vicente del Bosque’s side for their efforts.

“The Spanish are going to finish with the game at this rate,” he said. “They really are the best side.

“The technical standard (of Euro 2012) was very high, just as high as the World Cup.

“And all that was missing were teams like Brazil and Argentina.”

Brazil, at least, will be involved at the London Olympic Games, and Neymar is in no doubt they can win the tournament for the first time in the nation’s proud football history.

“We’ve got everything we need to be champions,” the 20-year-old said.

“I think Brazil are always one of the favourites, no matter what the competition. It’s always been that way.

“We’ve got a very good side too, and players with a lot of potential.”

Mano Menezes’ team, who slipped down to 11th on the latest FIFA rankings, have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand.