Rafinha: Brazil needs Neymar just like Argentina needs Messi

Since suffering his third injury within a year in September this year, Neymar has been in the recovery stage. After Ancelotti took over the Brazilian national team, he did not appear in the three training lists. Recently, Rafinha, who has played for giant clubs such as Flamengo, Gremio and Sao Paulo and now serves as a commentator for SportTV, accepted an interview with Folha de Sao Paulo. He talked about the topic of Brazilian star Neymar being selected for the national team.

■About Neymar's return to the national team

Rafinha said: "I hope the Brazilian people can understand that even with Neymar, it is already difficult for Brazil to compete in the World Cup. Without Neymar, the situation will be even worse. Winning the World Cup will be very difficult. I think he must be selected for the national team, because with him, things will always become easier."

Ancelotti has emphasized many times that the star from Santos does not need to be inspected anymore, but at the same time he has also set clear conditions-"A talented player must also stay healthy. He must reach 100%, not 80%."

■Rafinha believes that this generation of Brazilian players is talented, especially at the forward position. He mentioned Vinicius Junior, Rodrigo, Rafinha (the namesake), Esteban, Gabriel Martinelli and Cunha to illustrate the wealth of options Ancelotti has at his disposal. But in his opinion, no one can compare with Neymar.

Rafinha said: "Neymar is different from them, he is better than everyone, he is our best player."

■Rafinha compared Neymar's importance to Messi's status in the Argentine national team.

Rafinha said: "The Brazilian national team needs Neymar, just like Argentina needs Messi."

■Rafinha believes that fans and the media lack enough care and tolerance for Neymar.

Rafinha said: "The whole world knows how to protect themselves. Stars, only we don't. We don't cherish our own players and only focus on others. Why can't we protect Neymar like others? We should be more patient with Neymar and not always attack him."

■Rafinha said. He believes today's commentators, especially some former players, are too harsh in their criticism of Neymar.

Raphinha said: "Neymar is too successful and too dazzling. Some people may not wish him well out of jealousy or dissatisfaction, and even seem to hope that he fails. Everyone has the right to live his own life off the court. As long as he fulfills his responsibilities in training and games, his private life should not be an issue."