Pele: Neymar physically not up for Premier League

6 Oct 2012 11:45:00

O Rei believes that the gifted attacker would act wise to stay away from England for now, and feels he is a better player technically than Lionel Messi

Former Brazil international Pele has voiced his opinion that Santos star Neymar's style of play does not suit the Premier League as he feels the attacker lacks the physical presence to make it in England.

The 20-year-old has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea in the past few months, but his illustrious countryman believes moving to England would be the wrong choice.

"I disagree that Neymar should leave for Europe now. Last year Neymar's agent spoke to his father, because he had an offer to go to England," Pele told Fox Sports.

"When I found out, I went to see them and told them it wasn't the right time to make the leap into English football, because it's very tough and Neymar, who is an excellent player, isn't physically up to it."

The Brazil legend then went on to compare his compatriot to Barcelona star Lionel Messi, and stressed that Neymar is better technically than the Argentine.

He added: "Neymar has more in his locker than Messi technically speaking. He can attack down the left or right, he can hit the ball with both feet, he's good in the air… Messi is a lot more experienced. They're both excellent players."

Messi has netted 10 goals in as many appearances for Barcelona this term and is one of the favourites to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or.