Brazilian teen superstar Neymar could not hide his joy when his name was called out as the winner of the FIFA Puskas award for the best goal scored in 2011. The 19 year old won the award after more than 1.5 million internet users and football experts voted in favour of his sublime solo effort against Fluminense
Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Neymar could not hide his joy and excitement at winning the prestigious award calling it the best goal he has ever scored.
“I think it’s the best goal I’ve ever scored. I picked up the ball on the left, went past two opponents and laid the ball off to a team-mate. We played a great one-two and I managed to wriggle clear of two more opponents and put the ball away. It was just about the perfect move.”
Though failing to make it to the FIFA Ballon d’Or three man shortlist, Neymar however paid glowing tribute to the winner Lionel Messi. Messi became the second player after Michel Platini top win the award three times in a row and joined Johan Cruyff and Marco Van Basten as the only other players to have won the 3 times.
Ronaldo who had the pleasure of handing Messi his award, told reporters after the ceremony that Neymar would have to move to Europe if he wanted to compete with the best.
“Neymar cannot just reach Messi, he can be better. He has too much talent to stay only in Brazil,” Ronaldo said.
“He is a talent that we have to export and allow him to dominate the world, to own it playing the game that he does. The prestige and competition in European football is massive.”
When questioned about turning down a European move, this is what Neymar had to say:
“I’m still very young I think, and it’s not the right time. I’m very happy in my country and at Santos. I hope 2012 will be another wonderful year and that I win a lot of things on a personal and team level.”
Having won the 2011 South American Player of the year award, the Copa Libertadores best player and now the Puskas award, their is no telling just how far Neymar will go.
Photo Credit © Paraíba
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