Neymar believes it will be hard to follow Ronaldo’s footsteps
Neymar had a chance to briefly line up alongside Ronaldo during Ronaldo’s last game for Brazil. The young Santos striker has been labelled the next Ronaldo but even he knows it will be big shoes to fill.
“Ronaldo is my idol and he is an absolute genius,” Neymar told O Globo. “He is held in very high regard in Brazil and it will be very difficult to follow in his footsteps.”
Neymar is only 19 years old and his first major challenge will be the Copa America. The team are without Ronaldinho and Kaka so if he is able to step up to the challenge, then this may mean big things for Brazil.
Farewell to Ronaldo
Last goodbye for Ronaldo
Ronaldo will don the yellow shirt one last time, as he will feature from the 30th minute mark to half-time against Romania tomorrow.
Ronaldo stature in Brazil has earned in a farewell that will see Ronaldo play for the very last time. This will give players and fans the chance to say goodbye. Ronaldo has achieved so much during his career and has given so much to Brazil. Ronaldo was one of the last bunch of Brazilian players that made their mark in Europe. Since then there has only been Ronaldinho and Kaka who have really made a difference in Europe. Since then, Robinho has returned to Brazil and Kaka is struggling with fitness.
Young players such as Neymar and Lucas are looking forward to getting the chance to play along side Ronaldo. These players grew up watching their idol and now they have a chance to play with him. They all want to achieve the ultimate in Brazil, which is to win the World Cup. Something that Ronaldo did twice in his 18 year career.
Ronaldo will continue life in football as an agent. His business 9nine, which he owns 45 per cent share, focuses on marketing opportunities in Brazil.
Ronaldo is optimistic of contributing to the game of football and is quoted as saying by PA: “Because of the agency, I’ve been able to keep working with what I like the most – sports.
“Of course I still have a lot to learn in business and in marketing, but I’m working hard, participating in the agency’s day-to-day activities, helping in the decision-making process and meeting with clients and prospects.”
We will surely miss the real Ronaldo and I can’t wait to see him on the pitch against Romania tomorrow.
