• Premier League

Neymar could head to Russia - Roberto Carlos

ESPNsoccernet staff
July 11, 2011
Neymar is valued at £41 million © PA Photos
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Former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos had told Neymar to shun interest from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea and move to join him at Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia.

Carlos, 38, left Corinthians to head East six months ago and now wants the latest Brazilian prodigy to continue his career alongside him.

Anzhi's billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov is believed to be ready to match the offers of Europe's elite to release the 19-year-old from his contract - with a fee of £41 million being quoted - and a deal could be concluded after the Copa America which ends later this month.

''I really have talked to Neymar about this,'' Carlos told Russian newspaper Sport-Express. ''I told him about Anzhi's project and about the terms Suleyman Kerimov is ready to offer.

''We now have to wait for the end of the Copa America, when Neymar must decide his future. In any case, he asked me to thank the club's owner for the interest. In addition, we have already been in touch with the president of Santos to make an offer to the club.

''And now I am constantly in touch with Neymar, we call each other every day. He really could sign for us, because no other club has an effect on Neymar like Anzhi! Now everything is up to him.''

Carlos, who became one of the world's best defenders after leaving his homeland to join Inter Milan and then Real Madrid, spent 11-years at the Bernabeu and now believes it is time for Neymar to move on as well.

''He is a footballer of the highest quality, very technical, and Neymar continues to grow professionally,'' Carlos added. ''Needless to say, he is a great player. I think he needs to leave Brazil right now and I personally have no doubt that he could play in any team - in Russia, Spain or Italy. In any country!''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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