Friday, 24th June, 2011
Brazilian legend Pele has told young wonderkid Neymar that he now has the mental toughness needed to succeed at Real Madrid.
The Santos forward has been targeted by the Spanish club, along with English giants Chelsea, but has yet move. Staying at Santos remains an option, although with the club having won the Copa Libertadores earlier this week, the 19-year-old’s objectives look to have been achieved.
And Real Madrid, who are thought to have already agreed the terms of a six-year contract worth €5M per season with Neymar, but have not agreed a fee with Santos themselves, would now be a side at which the youngster could flourish according to Pele.
"He now has the experience to make the leap to Real Madrid", said Pele, before adding: "I advised him to go."
Pele is also confident that Neymar has developed as a player over the last 12 months, making him ready for the demands of La Liga football.
"He progressed technically and physically, although he’s always had a fragile body", admitted Pele.
There is work to be done for Neymar to make the move to the Bernabeu however, with Real Madrid at present unwilling to meet Santos’ €45M asking price.
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