Neymar is looking forward to playing against Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez when Brazil face Uruguay on Friday, but has joked that the two will “miss telling each other all the little things.”
Neymar, 24, has formed a formidable partnership with Suarez — and Lionel Messi — at the Camp Nou over the last two seasons, but confirmed in a light-hearted prematch news conference that the trio are just as close off the pitch.
“It’s true, we are messaging via WhatsApp these days,” Neymar said. “In Barcelona we said we would miss telling each other all the little things that happen in the day — even in the warm-ups. We are used to being together and we have a great friendship. Not just with him but also with Messi.
“In order to win on the field, we put up a fight. But now we won’t be playing together, none of that.”
The World Cup qualifier is important for both national teams, but Neymar believes that the head-to-head between himself and Suarez will add interest for the fans.
“They like football, they like to see a show and they are going to like this game. It is attractive. You are facing a teammate who you hope to beat.”
The Brazil captain is also looking forward to playing at the Arena Pernambuco, where the Selecao has never played, and added that he does not feel extra pressure from the huge expectations of the fans.
“Here there is a different energy. The fans are more welcoming, they are happy to see us here. We hope to return the favour with goals and good football — or at the very least a victory.
“As for me, I don’t mind being the one people talk about. It doesn’t weigh on me. Every team has a person who is used as a reference, a player who stands out more than others. I always talk about the qualities of this group. There are many players here who are difference-makers for their clubs.”