7 March 2013
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says Neymar should have joined Barcelona two years ago, but should stay at Santos for now.
The 21-year-old talent has been linked with Barca, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich over the past few months, but has repeatedly stated his intention to remain with Santos until the 2014 FIFA World Cup on home soil.Scolari, who began his second spell as Brazil coach in November, feels the highly rated youngster could have made the switch to Europe, but will now be better served staying at home.
"Neymar should have gone to Barca two years ago, but now it is better that he stays at Santos," Scolari said.
"How would he adapt? Would he be by himself? Would he start games? Would he play in this star-studded Barcelona team?
"For the World Cup of 2014 and for Brazil, it is preferable that he does not go right now."
Neymar was named alongside the likes of Kaka, Dante, Dani Alves and Lucas Moura is Scolari's squad on Tuesday ahead of friendly games against Italy and Russia later this month.
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