Neymar must leave Brazil, says Ronaldo

Brazilian football idol Ronaldo said teenage starlet Neymar must leave Brazil if he wants to win FIFA’s Ballon d’Or.

The Santos attacker, 19, was handed the Puskas award at Monday’s ceremony in Zurich for the best goal of the year, beating Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney to the prize due to his magnificent solo effort against Fluminense.

He was also short-listed for the Ballon d’Or, but missed out on a nomination to the top three and had to watch from the audience as Barcelona’s Messi lifted the trophy for the third consecutive year.

Speaking before the ceremony, compatriot Ronaldo was certain that Neymar would be approaching Messi’s level if he chose to play in Europe.

“Neymar cannot just reach Messi, he can be better. He has too much talent to stay only in Brazil,” the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker told reporters.

“He is a talent that we have to export and allow him to dominate the world, to own it playing the game that he does. The prestige and competition in European football is massive.”

Neymar recently committed his future to Santos until 2014, and Ronaldo received strong criticism for suggesting that the teenager should aim for one of Europe’s big clubs in the near future.

The retired striker, however, made no apologies for his remarks.

“I have taken some flak for having said that (Neymar should leave Brazil), but every person has their opinion and it should be respected. I know people like to follow their idols close, but Brazilians also watch the European games,” he said.

“They love to watch Barcelona and Real Madrid. I have played practically my entire life out of the country. And the people’s love is the same, if not more.”

Neymar was honoured with the 2011 South American Player of the Year award, and was also voted Copa Libertadores best player for his efforts in helping Santos win the trophy.