Neymar praises Ronaldo on birthday

Santos attacker Neymar labelled Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo his ‘idol’ after the pair celebrated their birthday on Sunday.

The Brazilian forward celebrated his 20th birthday at the weekend, and feels honoured to share his date of birth, February 5, with the former Manchester United attacker Ronaldo, who turned 27.

“Before the game, I would like to congratulate my idol Cristiano Ronaldo on his birthday. What an honour to be born on the same day,” Neymar said on his official Twitter account.

Neymar celebrated his birthday by netting the opener in the game against Palmeiras, but was unable to help them to victory as Santos were eventually beaten 2-1 in the Campeonato Paulista encounter.