Kaka is my idol, says Neymar

PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 02: Andre Ooijer of the Netherlands challenges Kaka of Brazil during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Netherlands and Brazil at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 2, 2010 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Wroclaw (Poland), Oct 9 – Brazil international striker Neymar admitted his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Real Madrid playmaker Kaka for the first time.

The Brazil squad gathered here Monday ahead of its international friendlies against Iraq Oct 11 and Japan five days later, Xinhua reports.

Upon his arrival, Neymar revealed he was yet to meet Kaka in person and admitted the 30-year-old had been one of his childhood heroes.

‘Kaka is an idol for all of us, it’s no secret,’ Neymar said.

‘I still haven’t met him. It will be the first time I would have a contact with him. His experience can help us a lot.’

Kaka has not played for Brazil since the team’s quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year said it was too early to be thinking about helping Brazil win the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

‘I need to be calm,’ he said before meeting up with the rest of the Brazil squad Monday.

‘I can’t think about the World Cup yet. I am returning to the national team after two years and I’ve come to share the responsibility. This group has every chance of success and I want to help be a part of that.’

Kaka said he felt in good condition having not suffered an injury for more than a year.

‘Technically I’m in good shape – I’m training and getting opportunities again at Real Madrid,’ he said. ‘I’ve tried to make the most of my chances and things are going in the right direction.’