Brazil legend Zico, who used to delight football lovers with his mesmerising play in his heydays, has claimed that his Brazilian counterpart Neymar needs to show ‘more professionalism’ if he’s to be seen in the same light of greatness as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Neymar is notably the world’s most expensive player currently and has undoubtedly earned his accolade of being one of contemporary football’s best talents, he is still some ways off before he can finally be perceived as someone worthy to share the platform in the same hallowed crucible of supreme greatness with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo.
Zico has been warm in his praise for his compatriot’s skills and ability but realistically feels that the 28-year-old still has some ways to go and needs to be more mature before he can fulfil his full potential and go the whole hog to be ascribed greatness.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zico said: “I really like Ney, his way of playing is incredible. But he has to be more professional like Ronaldo and Messi, who live for football.
“Ney has too many thoughts that distract him. I spoke to him recently and asked him to be more professional. He is 28 years old now and there is a good team at PSG. They can win the Champions League. It will depend on his quality throughout the tournament, not just for one match. Now Ney has more experience and maturity.”
Neymar, who’s again currently jamming the grapevine with non stop buzz regarding his heavily-anticipated return to Barcelona in his role as the bemoaned prodigal son, has been the force majeure contributing 69 goals from 78 appearances for PSG since August 2017.