Neymar really happy to be living his dream with idol Messi

BARCELONA: Barcelona’s new recruit Neymar says he is living a boyhood dream after completing a high-profile move from Santos at the end of May and joining up with his idol Lionel Messi.

The 21-year-old Brazil forward made his Barca debut as a late substitute in a 2-2 friendly draw at Polish side Lechia Gdansk on Tuesday and could make his first appearance at the Nou Camp when the La Liga champions play Santos on Friday for the Joan Gamper invitational trophy.

“When I am training it feels like being in a dream,” Neymar, the standout performer for his country in their Confederations Cup triumph in June, told a posttraining news conference on Thursday.

“A dream I had when I was a kid and that is coming true now,” he added. “I turn my head and there is Messi. Or Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta or (Carles) Puyol. I feel complete, it is like a dream. I am really, really happy.”

Neymar is likely to occupy a position wide on the left under new coach Gerardo Martino, with Argentinian World Player of the Year Messi in his more central role, and Barca fans are eager to see how the gifted pair will perform.

Neymar said he saw no reason to change the way he plays and that he and Messi were fully compatible.

“I have to keep on doing my thing and fulfil this dream,” he said. “He is wonderful, Messi. He is my idol. For me, he is the best. We talk every day.” – Reuters