In one of the most bizarre statements made this transfer season, Brazilian full-back Robert Carlos (known for his tripping and brilliantly curled free kicks) has urged Brazilian starlet and hot property Neymar to join him in Russia, even after a host of to European clubs have lined up a bid for the Mercurial footballer.
Roberto Carlos: Calling Neymar.
Huge clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter seem to be interested in Neymar, but Roberto Carlos has asked him to shun all of their offers to join him at his current club, Anzhi Makhachkala. The 38 year old defender has revealed that he was in constant contact with the entertaining Santos youngster and has spoken to him about a move to Russian football. Carlos joined the Anzhi six months ago and if he is to be believed, then club owner Suleyman Kerimov is willing to meet Neymar’s release clause, which stands at around £40 million. Chelsea have had a 25 million bid rejected earlier and Real Madrid look poised to get his signature after the commencement of the Copa America, but Roberto has added some spice to the saga by revealing his intentions to bring the starlet to the Russian Premier League.
Where to next?
Speaking exclusively to Sport-Express, Carlos said, “I really have talked to Neymar about this. I told him about Anzhi’s project and about the terms Suleyman Kerimov is ready to offer. We now have to wait for the end of the Copa America, when Neymar must decide his future“. He further revealed that he has had good relationship with the youngster, and continued, “And now I am constantly in touch with Neymar, we call each other every day. He really could sign for us, because no other club has an effect on Neymar like Anzhi! Now everthing is up to him.“. Santos are prepared to ward off suitors for their star man by offering him incentives that would see Neymar’s salary go upto 90,000 pounds a week.
“He is a footballer of the highest quality, very technical, and Neymar continues to grow professionally. Needless to say, he is a great player. I think he needs to leave Brazil right now and I personally have no doubt that he could play in any team – in Russia, Spain or Italy. In any country!” – Roberto Carlos on Neymar.
Carlos also lavished praise on the rest of Brazil’s youth prospects including Ganso, Diego Mauricio and Sao Paulo’s Lucas. Yet, he reserved special praise for Neymar who’s becoming one of the most well-known names in world football at such an early age. He seems content on staying in Brazil as things stand, but nothing concrete can be said about his future whereabouts. Neymar has scored 27 goals in 64 league games for Santos and is a pert of the Brazilian squad playing the Copa America in Argentina.
