"I love you but bro" – Neymar names Brazil superstar as 'ugliest' footballer he ever played with
Brazil and Al-Hilal star Neymar has taken a dig at Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr., claiming that the latter is the 'ugliest' player he has ever played with in his career.
During a recent interview with Brazilian outlet ViVA SPORT, Neymar was asked to name the most unattractive footballer he has ever shared the pitch with. He replied (h/tX/@GingaBonitoHub):
"The ugliest player I played with? F**k, I've played with so many, man, it's a good competition. F**k, with all due respect... Vini Jr, he hurts man [laughs]. Look Vini, I love you but bro. The good thing is that he's funny so it makes up for it."
Vinicius, 23, has been Neymar's teammate for Brazil men's national team since his international debut in 2019. He has played with the former Barcelona star 16 times so far in his career, combining once for a goal.
He is currently representing the Selecao at the Copa America while Neymar is still recovering from his long-term anterior cruciate ligament problem. The Real Madrid star failed to shine in his national team's 0-0 Group D draw against Costa Rica on Monday (June 24).
Vinicius, who has netted just thrice in 30 games for Brazil, helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy last season. As a result, he has emerged as a strong Ballon d'Or favorite.
The Flamengo academy graduate relished a good season in front of goal for Carlo Ancelotti's side. He found the back of the opposition net 24 times and provided 11 assists in 39 matches across all competitions.
Brazil legend Neymar names team at Copa America 2024 that will shock other nations
Neymar has claimed that United States have the potential to surprise a lot of sides at the ongoing Copa America 2024. He opined (h/t GOAL):
"I know [Christian] Pulisic, I watched the [1-1 friendly draw between] Brazil and United States and the U.S. team surprised me a lot because they ran a lot, they played great defence. [Pulisic] is a great player, he spent a long time at Chelsea. The U.S. team will surprise during the Copa America. From what I saw in the [friendly] game, they have everything to give [other] teams trouble."
United States opened their Copa America campaign with a confident 2-0 win over Bolivia in a Group C contest earlier this Sunday (June 23).
The hosts are next scheduled to face Panama this Thursday and take on Uruguay in their final Copa America group-stage match on July 1.