Ronaldo sceptical of rumours linking Neymar to Real Madrid

Neymar is unlikely to be leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid, according to fellow Brazilian Ronaldo.

Published : May 09, 2019 22:39 IST

Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo does not put any stock in rumours linking Neymar with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo does not put any stock in rumours linking Neymar with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
lightbox-info

Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo does not put any stock in rumours linking Neymar with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Brazil legend and former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo does not put any stock in rumours linking Neymar with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Neymar is coming to the end of an injury-hit second season at Paris Saint-Germain and the opening of the transfer window could bring fresh speculation about his long-term plans.

Madrid have been credited with an interest in the Selecao star since his departure from Barcelona in 2017 and are expected to adopt an aggressive recruitment approach under Zinedine Zidane in response to an underwhelming campaign.

READ | Champions League hat-trick puts Tottenham's Lucas in esteemedcompany

Ronaldo played alongside Zidane for Los Blancos and believes his old team-mate has little chance of prising attacker Neymar away from PSG.

“It's been dragging on for many years," Ronaldo said at a promotional event.

"There are many rumours, but I don't think there's anything concrete with Real Madrid.

"He's an incredible player and anyone would like to have him but, from what I see, he's not on the market."

READ | De Ligt will move to England or Spain, says Van der Sar

Madrid's rivals Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday as their three-goal first-leg advantage against Liverpool was overturned by a damaging 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

The collapse echoed last season's shock quarter-final exit against Roma and immediately thrust Ernesto Valverde's position into doubt.

Ronaldo defended the Blaugrana boss, suggesting the blame for such failures should be shared more equally.

"Barcelona have a great team, and they have the best player in the world in [Lionel] Messi," he said.

"The other day I heard that when they lose, it's because of Valverde, [Philippe] Coutinho... but not Messi. And when they win, Barcelona win because of Messi.

"It's a tremendous lack of respect to all the players and the coaching staff."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment