The father of FC Barcelona star, Neymar claims that Lionel Messi is the reason his son plays for the Catalan side.
Neymar Santos Sr. told Spanish media outlet Cope that the five-time Ballon D’Or winner was his son’s “idol”.
“We all know who Messi is and what he means. He is the idol of my son and for him is a pleasure being at his side,” he said.
“He is always happy for playing together and he is playing here for Messi.”
Barcelona signed Neymar Jr. in 2013, following his successful spell with Brazilian giants, Santos FC. He has gone on to win numerous European and domestic honours in Spain.
But his father has admitted that without the examples of Messi and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar might never have reached these heights.
“If Messi and Ronaldo never existed probably Neymar never existed too,” he said.
“The same with Pele and (Diego) Maradona, both inspired a lot of players.”
The comments came after the 24-year-old Brazilian international signed a contract extension that sees him commit to the Spanish champions until 2021.
Neymar has been a key player in a South American attacking line commonly considered the best in world football.
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