XtraTime Web Desk: Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr has spoken of his admiration for former FC Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, who he says gave him support when he needed it most.
The Brazilian, who has since moved on to Paris Saint-Germain, struggled to hold back the tears as he praised Messi for his help during a tough period in his life.
‘It’s a story I tell everyone,’ he said in an interview with Globo Esporte. ‘At the time when I needed the most support, the man on the team, the best in the world, came and gave me love.’
He talked to me and said: “Come here, you must be yourself, you must be happy and the same as in Santos. Do not be shy, do not be afraid of me or anyone in this club. We are here to help you”.’
Neymar has been consistently linked with a move back to the Nou Camp, given his strong friendship with members of the Barcelona squad.
When queried once more about the potential of a return, the 27-year-old refused to rule it out and reiterated how much his friendship with Messi means to him.
‘It’s difficult, it’s difficult,’ Neymar said. ‘To be honest, it is very difficult because Leo was a very special guy for me at Barcelona.’