Neymar told he’s 'at same level as Lionel Messi' and ‘better than Cristiano Ronaldo’ but 'ruined his career' as club president rules out transfer for Al-Hilal star

The Brazil international forward is considered to be one of the finest talents of his generation, with only the presence of all-time greats Messi and Ronaldo preventing him from collecting a Ballon d’Or. Prestigious personal accolades have now passed him by, with the South American superstar 32 years of age.

Neymar is seeing questions asked of his future, having failed to make the desired impact at Saudi Pro Leaue outfit Al-Hilal, with a potential move to Inter Miami being discussed – which would see him reunited with Messi in MLS – as well as a return to his roots at Santos.

A deal may be done that takes him back to Brazil, but the president of Botafogo says they will not form part of that clamour. Durcesio Mello claims Neymar’s injury record now works against him, with another stint on the sidelines being taken in at present after only recently recovering from 12 months out with knee ligament damage.

Mello has told Resenha Alvinegra when asked if his club would be in the market for Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer: “God forbid. Neymar is one of the greatest players I've ever seen play, he's at the same level as Messi and much better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he ruined his career, which culminated in this injury that lasted a little over a year, and now he's injured again.”

Botafogo do have links to Neymar through his sister Rafaella Santos, who is a big fan of the team. She has, however, posted on social media after learning of Mello’s comments: “'God forbid'... President Durcesio Mello? THANK GOD Botafogo is MUCH more than a ‘board’. Joke!”