Brazil legend Cafu claims compatriot Neymar left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain because of the shadows cast by Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.
Neymar completed a sensational €222million switch to the Parisians last summer with the motivation of becoming a Ballon d’Or winner at the centre of his reasoning for leaving.
The 26-year-old, who suffered a fractured foot against Marseille in Le Classique on Sunday, has plundered 28 goals in 30 appearances this season and Cafu believes the opportunity to illuminate his talent away from Barca icons led to his exit.
“The best person to ask that question would be Neymar but playing in the team with Messi and Iniesta, he would not have the same chance to stand out as at PSG,” said Cafu, speaking ahead of the Laureus 2018 World Sports Awards.
“Also there he has more responsibility.”
Neymar is intensely being linked with a move again this summer as Real Madrid reportedly chase his signature.
The Brazilian is a huge doubt for their Champions League last-16 season-leg clash with Los Blancos following the diagnosis of a fractured foot but Cafu has refused to be drawn on the speculation surrounding Neymar’s long-term future.
The ex-AC Milan full-back said (h/t Goal.com): “That’s Neymar’s decision. I can’t decide for Neymar, or give him advice on such a situation.
“He’s just left Barcelona to go to PSG. He knows very well how important he is to world football, but at the end of the day it’s his decision. I can’t give advice to him in a situation like this.
Cafu added: “There are different moments in your life. Only Neymar knows what’s happening. We can only speculate about it, according to what we read in the newspapers. It’s up to Neymar, together with his staff, to take a decision.
“He’ll know what’s better for him, if it is to stay at PSG or to go to Real Madrid, or Barcelona, or Brazil, I don’t know. Whatever he decides, it will be respected because of what he stands for in football, in international level.”
The two-time World Cup winner insists, however, Neymar has moved to PSG to win the Champions League.
“A high-class player can play any place in the world,” the 47-year-old said. “No matter the league. It has to do with professionalism and responsibility of the player to want to develop himself and play.
“Nowadays, it’s clear that Ligue 1, that didn’t use to be so watched around the world, is being watched and talked about. The proof is that here today we talked more about Ligue 1 than about other leagues. So, a big star in a league that didn’t have this visibility makes it to be more known worldwide.
“Neymar is doing this and his aim, no doubt, was Champions League, because PSG didn’t have the opportunity to win it yet. With Neymar, they can do it.”
