Neymar: 'I love Balotelli!'
Neymar praised Italy star Mario Balotelli and the Brazilian talent admits “I’d love to become his friend.”
The pair will go head-to-head in the Confederations Cup on June 22 at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Salvador.
“Balotelli is a great guy and a wonderful player,” said Neymar. “I often watch him on television with great pleasure.
“He is a real talent and has genuine quality. I hope to speak to him, maybe after Italy-Brazil. I’d love to become his friend.
“I can’t help but wish him all the best, except for in the game against us, of course...”
The global superstars are of a similar age, as Balotelli is 22 and new Barcelona signing Neymar just 21.