Neymar leaving Barcelona for PSG was a step backwards in his career, says Ronaldo
Brazilian Real Madrid legend believes his compatriot may have been better off at Barcelona
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Neymar’s world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona was a step backwards in his career, according to ex-Brazil star Ronaldo.
“He’s at PSG now, but sports-wise, this decision he’s taken is a step backwards,” the 2002 World Player of the Year said in an interview with former international Zico’s YouTube channel.
“He was at Barcelona and he left for PSG. I played at Barca, but I left for Inter Milan when the Italian league was a lot more competitive.”
Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil (1994, 2002), spent the 1996-97 season with Barcelona after joining from PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
He then moved to Inter, returning to Spain in 2002 with Real Madrid for five seasons. He went on to play a further year with AC Milan before ending his career at Corinthians in his homeland.
Neymar cost PSG a world record €222 million (US$264 million) in August when he joined from Barcelona.
Ronaldo added he would like to see Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus installed up front for Brazil.
“The World Cup’s coming and we need his goals,” he said. “It’s been a long time that we’ve been looking for a number nine.”
