Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has said “if it were up to me, Neymar would have already been at Real Madrid a long time ago” but added that the Brazilian is “happy” in Paris.
Former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos, 46, made the comments in an interview with ‘Fox Sports Radio’ yesterday (Thursday) where he spoke about several of his Brazilian compatriots.
When speaking about Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, 28, he expressed his eagerness to have him at Real Madrid saying: “If it were up to me, Neymar would have already been at Real Madrid a long time ago” adding “but life is not always as one would like.”
The Brazil legend said “great players” like Neymar “always have to play in the biggest clubs of the world.
“Real Madrid, today, is a reference point to any player. Want to win the Champions League? Come to Real Madrid” referring to Los Blancos’ record 13 Champions League trophies.
Despite his wishes to have the 28-year-old forward in the Spanish capital Roberto Carlos said Neymar is “happy at Paris Saint-Germain right now” and only hopes he keeps playing with “joy like he has been doing lately” because that is the “Neymar the world likes to watch”.
When speaking about other Brazil stars, Roberto Carlos hailed Real Madrid defender Marcelo, 31, as “the best left-back” right now and said he “deserves a new opportunity” after failing to make recent Brazil squads.
He added: “I think Marcelo is growing (as a player) again and going back to the Marcelo I saw play with joy and do things on the pitch that only he can do.
“I hope he returns to the national team and fights for the position against Filipe Luis, Alex Sandro and Renan Lodi.”
Atletico Madrid defender Lodi, 21, and Juventus defender Sandro, 29, were heavily featured in Brazil’s friendlies before their World Cup Qualifier matches were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.
Roberto Carlos also spoke about former Brazil teammate Ronaldinho, 40, who remains in a Paraguayan prison for allegedly trying to enter the country using falsified documents.
He said: “Let’s wait to see what the authorities decide. I don’t think he is participating in anything illegal. He always tried to be a decent person.
“I don’t know if he is being retained to find other people” calling the former Barcelona superstar a “global” figure who will “not lose his charisma” despite the situation adding that “the only thing I hope for is that he gets out of prison as soon as possible.”
Roberto Carlos played at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007 helping Los Blancos win four La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
The legendary defender had 125 caps with Brazil helping them win the 2002 World Cup and two Copa Americas (1997 and 1999).
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