PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Dani Alves said on Tuesday that fellow teammate Neymar had to leave Barcelona forward Lionel Messi’s shadow in order to establish himself as one of football’s greats.
Neymar, who made a record 222 Million Euro move to PSG last summer, has a better chance of achieving individual awards when the Brazilian is not around a player like Messi, said Alves.
“I think Neymar is up there with Lionel as the most influential player in world football. I think you have got a better chance of achieving things individually when you are not so close to a player like him,” said the 34-year-old.
Alves, who has played with both Messi and Neymar at Barcelona, further said that he loved playing with the Argentine, but it was sooner or later before fellow Brazilian Neymar and himself came up against Barca’s number 10.
The former Barca defender also said that he advised Neymar to listen to his heart before the 25-year-old forward from Sao Paulo made his decision to sign for the Paris-based club.
Talking about PSG’s clash against European Champions Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg on February 14, Alves said that it would be an honour to play against the club’s front man Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We are very respectful of Cristiano Ronaldo, because of the history he has made in football, and it will be an honour to play against him,” he said.