I do not need to play in Europe to reach my potential: Neymar

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian football sensation Neymar says he does not need to play in Europe to fulfil his rich potential. But the 20-year-old admits he does not know what the future holds beyond his current contract with Santos, which expires in 2014. “You can develop and improve your game whether you’re in Brazil or not,” Neymar said in a an interview with FIFA. [caption id=“attachment_606418” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Brazilian football player Neymar speaks after receiving the best South American football player award by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais. AFP[/caption] “Personally I feel I’m becoming a better player and getting more experience as every year goes by. Some people say you have to leave to develop but I don’t agree with that.” Neymar has been the subject of transfer rumours for the past two years, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea reportedly leading the chase to sign the striker. His Brazil teammate and Barcelona defender Dani Alves recently joined former greats Ronaldo and Rivaldo in urging Neymar to join an elite European club sooner rather than later. “Dani is always embarrassing me. He has put me in a tight spot,” Neymar said. The Santos No. 11 has scored 54 goals from 102 first team appearances for his club and 17 goals in 27 international matches for Brazil. IANS