The Barcelona star is overjoyed to see his former Santos
team-mate return to the Selecao and has been enjoying his time in Miami for the
Gillette International Soccer Series
Neymar has expressed his delight at seeing his 'idol'
Robinho back in the Brazil squad for the Gillette International Soccer Series.
The AC Milan forward has returned to the Selecao for the
first time since 2011 and Neymar is thrilled to be playing back longside his
former Santos team-mate.
The two will team up for clashes against Honduras and
Chile this week and the Barcelona star took time to pay tribute to his
childhood hero during today’s press conference at the Marriott Marquis in
Miami.
"Being with Robinho has been wonderful - you all
know he's been an idol of mind since my childhood,” said Neymar.
"After he returned to play at Santos our friendship
grew and we are still very good friends to this day. I'm glad to be seeing the
joy that Robinho is showing, it’s as if it were his first ever call up."
A winner of the Fifa Puskas award in 2011, the two-time
South American Footballer of the Year went on to reveal he was hoping to claim
the award once again after being nominated for his stunning volley against
Japan at the Confederations Cup.
"I do not know which is the most beautiful of the
ten goals that are competing for the prize - I hope it will be mine," he
said.
The 21-year-old has made the most of his time in Miami
this week, meeting former England international David Beckham and making the
trip to the AmericanAirlines Arena to see the Miami Heat basketball team, and
says he is loving his time in Florida.
"I am enjoying the city of Miami, it's very
beautiful. The meeting with Beckham was very emotional.
"I am very happy to have met Lebron James, who is an
idol. I went to see the basketball game and got very excited like a child. For
me he is the best."
The former Santos forward also discussed his growth since
moving to La Liga this past summer and that he and his teammates are always
thinking about next year’s World Cup.
“I grew up in Brazil with Santos, but as am I learning
new things and a new language, which is good for human beings, and I am growing
naturally," he continued.
"The Honduras game itself is very important for
everyone, we know that and our goal is to win the World Cup.
"We know that there is a lot of pressure and that
it’s practically a must. We know it will be difficult and we must keep training
hard to achieve what is a dream for us and all Brazilians.
Prior to ending his press conference by doing kick-ups
with an American Football, Neymar discussed his overall contribution in attack.
The Barca forward already has seven league assists for his new club.
"I have always made assists and setting up goals is
always a way to help my team. Now I'm able to giving even more assists and I am
happy be helping my national team in that way.
"We have a fine selection of attacking players in
addition to those who are here because we have some who are missing."
Brazil face Honduras on Saturday at the Sun Life stadium
in Miami before heading to Toronto to meet Chile on November 19.
Culled from Goal
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