Brazil Star Neymar Denies He's Headed to Barcelona

Brazil's up-and-coming star Neymar denies rumors he's poised to sign for Barcelona, saying he wants to play in Europe soon, but has yet to choose a club.

Published

3 months ago

Categories

Sports

Topics

Pro Sports

People

Neymar Da Silva

Places

Brazil, Spain, Barcelona

Tags

soccer

Transcript

SHOTLIST: LONDON, 7 FEB, 2013 SOURCE: AFPTV / SID SOUNDBITE 1: Neymar (man), Brazil international [Portuguese, 38 sec]: (About signing for Barcelona) "It could be any other club where I feel good and comfortable - it doesn't have to be Barça or Real. There are lots of other clubs where I think it would be fantastic to play. I'm not just choosing between Barça or Real. Eventually, I'll decide where to go" SOUNDBITE 2, Neymar (man), Brazil international [Portuguese, 30 sec]: "I think every player has his moment to go and play in Europe - Ronaldinho was a bit younger than me, but I think my moment is coming now. When it comes I see no problem in playing in Europe, it's a dream I had as a child, like I said, to play for an European team. I'm just waiting for the right moment" --------------- AFP TEXT STORY Football: Brazil must improve to win World Cup, says Neymar BERLIN, Feb 7, 2013 (AFP) - Brazil have a long way to go if they are to add a sixth World Cup victory to their collection on home soil next year, striker Neymar believes. In an interview with German press agency SID, a subsidiary of AFP, after the 2-1 defeat by England at Wembley, Neymar said the Brazilians needed to improve their team game. "We tried everything we could, but it wasn't enough," said the 21-year-old, billed as the new Pele. Brazil have slipped alarmingly down the world rankings in the past two years and are now a lowly 18th. "As host country we will be under a lot of pressure but maybe our fans can carry us to victory," Neymar added, and picked out Germany and holders Spain as serious contenders in 2014. His contract at Brazil's FC Santos expires in 2014 and Neymar has said it is his "childhood dream" to eventually play for a European club. With Pep Guardiola to take charge of Bayern Munich for next season, Neymar spoke enthusiastically about the Bavarian giants. "Ultimately, all leagues are interesting, including the Bundesliga and especially when I think of Bayern Munich," he said. "That is a big club with players of exceptional quality. "I can defenitely imagine me at Bayern, there is nothing to say that won't happen." South America's player of the year for 2011 and 2012 said he has been particularly impressed with Germany midfield star and Bayern's vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger. "Schweinsteiger is one of the best player I've ever seen," said Neymar. "These are the basics that make him so strong. His position and his passing game, plus his presence on the field."