Transfer Centre

Dani Alves: 'Neymar aware of Barcelona demands'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 27 May 2013

Dani Alves insists that Neymar is ready to impress at Barcelona and knows he will be under huge pressure to deliver in Spain from the outset.

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has insisted that Neymar is acutely aware of the pressures he will face in Spain after agreeing a move to the Camp Nou last weekend.

The 21-year-old signed a five-year contract with Barca on Saturday and will make a long-awaited move to Europe this summer.

Alves revealed that he has spoken to his Brazilian international teammate since the deal was confirmed and believes that Neymar has the drive and humility to succeed in La Liga.

He is quoted by Football Espana as saying: "I spoke with him and he's very happy that he's coming to Barcelona, he knows that he's coming to a big club and he knows how big this team can be.

"He isn't a pop star. He's competitive, he knows the demands of this club and he has come to play his part. He's very humble. He's a star, but he's very hard-working. He knows that he's coming to Barcelona, a place where he will improve as a person and a professional.

"He knows that this club treats its players well, when he gets here he'll see that this is the best club for him. Hopefully we can all help him [adjust] so then he can help us."

Neymar played his final game for Santos on Sunday evening in an emotional farewell to the club he has spent his entire professional career with to date.