Barcelona: Neymar picks the Real Madrid star he would sign - and it's not Ronaldo
The Brazilian opted to snub the recent Ballon d'Or winner
![Neymar has become one of the world's best players at Barcelona](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/12/15/17/neymar.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Real Madrid and Barcelona may be the most bitter of rivals, but this wouldn’t stop Neymar from cherry-picking Zinedine Zidane's best players if given the option.
Indeed, when asked who he would bring to the Nou Camp, the Brazilian revealed he would not pick Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo but fellow compatriot Marcelo instead.
When the question was put to him in an interview with CNN, Neymar said: “I would pick Marcelo, because he is my friend.”
When the interviewer pressed the Brazilian, suggesting he might like to pick Ronaldo instead, Neymar remained defiant, replying: “No, I'd pick Marcelo.”
Marcelo could make a welcome addition to the Barcelona set-up though his buccaneering runs would likely disrupt the seamless fluidity of the side’s frontline.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have been in irresistible form this season, with 41 goals between them so far.
But speaking in the same interview with CNN, Neymar refused to big up the trio.
“I wouldn't say we're the best trio in world football, because I don't like to say I'm better than anybody else,” he said.
“Our aim is to always win, every day, every game, every competition. We're making history and I hope we will continue to do so for many years to come.”
Neymar also admitted to his admiration for Madrid’s own front line.
“They are star footballers who are also making football history,” the Brazilian added. “They are respected.
“So it's a good battle, a healthy battle that we have in the Clasico.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments