Santos president urges Chelsea target Neymar not to move to the Premier League

Neymar – Brazil (Getty Images)

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Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro de Oliveira believes it would be ill-advised for wonderkid Neymar to play in England, with the youngster keen on a move to Chelsea.

The 19-year-old, who lit up this week’s friendly with Scotland by grabbing a brace in Brazil’s 2-0 victory, has expressed his desire to play for the Blues, who had a bid knocked back for the forward last season.

However, with repeated speculation surrounding the youngster’s future, Ribeiro has urged his young protégé not to go to England because of the contrasting style of football to his homeland.

“Playing in England is not the same as playing at Santos’ stadium Vila Belmiro,” he told ESPN.

“It is much worse, because of the climate and the style of football, which he is unaccustomed to.

“We have demonstrated that, as he has developed into a player who represents the best of Brazilian football – being audacious, skillful, and effective, attacking – he is going to become a key figure in the history of Brazilian football.

“He is going to gain international recognition, and maybe get chosen as the best player in the world, playing in Brazil.

“This is something that hasn’t happened since Pele’s day, and he has a golden chance.”

Meanwhile, Spanish daily AS has reported tha Barcelona have joined the race for Neymar.

The Blaugrana are eager to add another attacker to their squad in the summer and have been previously linked with Villarreal attacker Giuseppe Rossi. The Italian, though, has set his sights on a move back home, prompting Barca to turn their attentions to Neymar.

An offer in the region of €30 million £25m could be needed to lure the Brazil international away from Santos.