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Santos' Neymar: Diego Maradona is an idol
Speaking in Argentina after joining up with the rest of the Brazil Copa America squad, the youngster cooled rumours of a dispute between he and the outspoken Al-Wasl coach
Jun 24, 2011 9:31:00 PM
By Daniel Edwards
Rafael Ribeiro / CBF
Santos' Copa Libertadores hero Neymar has moved quickly to end rumours of a supposed feud with Diego Maradona, explaining that he thinks highly of the Argentina legend - while also praising Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
Maradona reportedly called Neymar "ill-mannered" after reading an interview where the youngster declared himself the best player in the world, although later the Al-Wasl coach has denied making any such comments to press.
The 19-year-old striker subsequently moved to deny any suggestion of a war of words beginning between the pair, and revealed his admiration for the star of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning campaign.
"I have already put up a note on my website. This subject is closed. I have a photo with Maradona, he is an idol for the whole world, a great player, and I respect him," he told reporters on Friday, in a press conference held after his arrival in Argentina. The note in question states that Neymar "has no pretension of taking over Messi" as the world's best footballer.
The teenager moved on to detail his respect for the Barcelona man, who is a potential opponent in the final of next month's Copa America.
"I have always said, and I will repeat it as many times as necessary, that Messi is above everyone else," he explained.
After scoring the first goal in Santos' 2-1 victory over Penarol which secured their first Libertadores since 1963, Neymar has received plaudits from across the world of football. In the conference, however, he was at pains to point out that, in Argentina with the rest of the Brazil squad, he was just another player.
"I am delighted with the affection I have been winning from everybody, as they are recognising my hard work. In the Selecao though, I am one more person here to help," he concluded.
Neymar and Brazil will open their Copa America campaign with a Group B match against Venezuela, scheduled for July 3 in La Plata.
Maradona reportedly called Neymar "ill-mannered" after reading an interview where the youngster declared himself the best player in the world, although later the Al-Wasl coach has denied making any such comments to press.
| Bet: | Returns: | Denmark £40.00 | Draw £34.00 | Brazil £18.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Denmark £40.00 | Draw £34.00 | Brazil £17.30 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Denmark £45.00 | Draw £36.00 | Brazil £17.27 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Denmark £45.00 | Draw £37.50 | Brazil £17.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Denmark £42.00 | Draw £33.50 | Brazil £17.70 |
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The 19-year-old striker subsequently moved to deny any suggestion of a war of words beginning between the pair, and revealed his admiration for the star of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning campaign.
"I have already put up a note on my website. This subject is closed. I have a photo with Maradona, he is an idol for the whole world, a great player, and I respect him," he told reporters on Friday, in a press conference held after his arrival in Argentina. The note in question states that Neymar "has no pretension of taking over Messi" as the world's best footballer.
The teenager moved on to detail his respect for the Barcelona man, who is a potential opponent in the final of next month's Copa America.
"I have always said, and I will repeat it as many times as necessary, that Messi is above everyone else," he explained.
After scoring the first goal in Santos' 2-1 victory over Penarol which secured their first Libertadores since 1963, Neymar has received plaudits from across the world of football. In the conference, however, he was at pains to point out that, in Argentina with the rest of the Brazil squad, he was just another player.
"I am delighted with the affection I have been winning from everybody, as they are recognising my hard work. In the Selecao though, I am one more person here to help," he concluded.
Neymar and Brazil will open their Copa America campaign with a Group B match against Venezuela, scheduled for July 3 in La Plata.
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