Former Brazil star, Ronaldo has noted that Neymar’s world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain was similar to his own move away from Barcelona.
Ronaldo spent only a season at Camp Nou, netting 34 La Liga goals in 37 appearances but surprisingly dumped the club for Inter ahead of the 1997-98 campaign.
Neymar stunned the football world when he left Barcelona for PSG, and his countryman said his exit was similar to his.
Ronaldo’s performance at Barcelona helped him become FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997, but contract negotiations broke down, leading to his Inter Milan move.
Reports at the time suggested Neymar had grown frustrated with the club’s hierarchy, and Ronaldo revealed that he had the same issue.
The 41-year-old told Veja, “Neymar’s exit from Barca was a bit like mine. I went to Inter when the Italian league was much stronger than France is now.
“I don’t have the details and I don’t know what was behind the negotiation [for Neymar]. Maybe everything came from problems with the Barcelona board, as was the case with me. I’d do it [leave] again.”
He added, “I’m looking for a club to become [general] team manager of.
“I want to have this kind of experience, in Brazil or elsewhere, while we run football academies.
“I completely rule out coaching a team in my life. I can’t imagine 25 players bothering me every day, doing everything possible to trick me.”