Football: Neymar aiming to make history at Barcelona

Brazilian starlet Neymar is confident he is destined for even greater success at Barcelona after signing a five-year deal with the Catalan giants from Sao Paolo club Santos, earlier this week.

“I want to leave my mark on Barcelona,” the 21-year-old international told the club’s website.

While the highly rated striker arrives at the club amidst great anticipation, he played down comparisons with his compatriot Ronaldinho, who enjoyed huge success at the Nou Camp between 2003 and 2008

“No-one can compare to Ronaldinho. He made history at Barca and also with the Brazilian team and he continues to write history.

“In my case, I am only just starting to write my own history,” he added.

Ronaldinho enjoyed a successful five-year stint in Catalonia, being named world player of the year in 2004 and 2005, and winning two Spanish titles and the 2006 Champions League.

But while Neymar is not thinking about emulating his illustrious compatriot, he is looking forward to playing a part in the Barcelona style of play.

He experienced it at first hand when his Santos side were overrun 4-0 by Barca in the 2011 Club World Cup final.

“What impressed me the most that day was the simplicity of Barca’s football. The fact that they were driven towards an objective, but at the same time looking to play beautiful football,” he said.

“At that time, everyone was in awe of Barca. Not only the Catalan supporters and journalists but also us, the Santos players.”