New sense of maturity reaping benefits for both Brazil, Barca

SAO PAULO - During his first media conference as a Brazil player in eight months on Monday, Neymar didn't mince words.

The 25-year-old superstar said he is at the peak of his prowess and plays for the best national team in the world.

He also said he was forced to mature after a series of controversies on and off the pitch, and promised Brazil would be one of the favorites at next year's World Cup finals in Russia.

"There was never a dependency on Neymar. This is Brazil. If focused, our team is the best," Neymar said before the South American zone leader's World Cup qualifying match against seventh-place Paraguay on Tuesday.

"We know this, we are humble enough to respect our adversaries, we have to play. Sometimes one part or the other didn't fit. But coach Tite arrived and made adjustments. We are playing football. The players are not so different, it is the way of playing. Now everyone turns up."

Neymar said he worked hard to improve his discipline on the pitch.

"We only learn when we get hurt or do something wrong," he said.

"I argued unnecessarily. I got yellow and red cards, harmed myself and my teammates. Time makes us more mature. Nowadays I only think about playing football. I am better in every aspect."

"Everyone needs time to get their head straight so things calm down. I had my moment of being a little more silent, but now I am speaking again."

Neymar recently faced legal problems in Spain due to suspicions of irregularities in his transfer from Santos to Barcelona.

Tax authorities in Brazil are also investigating and have fined the striker, a decision he is appealing. Those troubles didn't stop coach Tite giving Neymar the captain's arm band for the game.

Tite usually rotates the captaincy, but explained: "Neymar deserves the band, he is a skill leader and he is maturing despite inhuman pressure."

Tite singled out a moment in his team's 4-1 victory at Uruguay last week to show how much Neymar, who was often accused by rivals of diving and simulating injuries, had changed.

"In the last three games he was fouled more than 50 times and still remained focused on his game. Before he scored the third goal in the previous match, he knew (Uruguayan defender Sebastian) Coates had already been booked and would be sent off if he had fallen. But he stood on his feet and scored," the 55-year-old said.

Former Italy and AC Milan star Alessandro Costacurta last week opined that Neymar had eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to become the world's best player. But Neymar rejects comparisons with the multiple Ballon d'Or winners.

"I don't feel comfortable to compare," he said. "They are two geniuses who have had colossal performances. I admire both. One is on my side every day, is the best I've played with," the Brazilian said, adding Messi had been key to his improvement.

"I was having a lot of difficulties in my beginning (at Barcelona). Then the best in the world said, 'Calm down, it will all fall into place, play your game.' It was great.

"I was reticent about talking to an idol, but Messi helped me relax. We are friends and that helps on the pitch. I also get along with Luis Suarez, we always help each other. I am very happy for this moment I am living."

Neymar said he was targeting another strong performance against Paraguay, but would be putting less pressure on himself.

"There has been a big change. We now have more confidence to seek our identity and we did it. No matter when or where, Brazil will always be one of the favorites for titles," he said.

Brazil will qualify for the World Cup with four games in hand at Arena Corinthians if it beats Paraguay and Chile and Ecuador fail to win their home matches.

Associated Press

(China Daily 03/29/2017 page22)