Neymar excited to face 'idols' Gerrard and Rooney

Feb 6, 2013 9:10:00 PM

The Santos and Brazil starlet reveals he has followed the fortunes of the England team since childhood, and adds he is honoured to be given the chance to play at Wembley

Brazil sensation Neymar has revealed that he feels proud to be playing against England at Wembley on Wednesday evening, and is looking forward to facing "idols" like Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

The Football Association have arranged home and away clashes against the five-time World Cup winners as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations, with boss Roy Hodgson using them as part of his tournament preparations.

But the fixture takes on added significance for Neymar who, having celebrated his 21st birthday on Tuesday, now gets fo fulfil a boyhood dream of playing at Wembley against players he has long admired.

"I'm very happy to have turned 21 and be called up to the national team once again," he told FATV. "I wouldn't say I'm feeling older, but more experienced.

"Wembley is a great stadium, and also has a beautiful field. There is a lot of history for everything that happened: the World Cup and many good players have been here.

"It's a great honor to be able to play back at Wembley for Brazil.

"They are a great team. I always followed England, since I was child. I liked to see (David) Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, among others that are idols.

"And I feel proud to be playing against England for the first time. It will be a great game, for those who like football, and we hope we are going to win."

The Santos starlet also refused to rule out a move to the Premier League in the future, although he insisted he is perfectly happy to remain in his native Brazil.

"I do not know, maybe," he added. "I do not think of play outside Brazil today. I still do not know. There is a chance, but it depends on the moment."