Confident Neymar will not join Real Madrid, says Ronaldinho

Madrid, Feb 2: Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is confident that Barcelona star striker Neymar will not leave the reigning European Champions to join rivals Real Madrid and has also backed his compatriot to become the best player in the world.

"I don't think Neymar will join Real Madrid. I hope he will become the best player in the world. He is hugely talented and plays for the best club in the world. I think he has what it takes to become the best," Ronaldinho was quoted as saying by Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo on Tuesday.

Neymar has been linked by some with a switch to Santiago Bernabeu in recent weeks following claims he met with a Madrid delegation in Zurich ahead of the FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony last month.

He has a contract with Barcelona until June 2018, but head coach Luis Enrique last week stated he is confident the Brazil international will agree to extend his deal.