Ex-Santos president: Neymar didn't go to Madrid in 2006 because I stopped him

Teixeira, the former president of Santos was the great architect of Neymar not signing for Real Madrid and going on to have a professional contract with Santos with 14 years. Now Madrid returns to the offensive for '10' and positions itself as a favorite.

The current dean of the Santa Cecilia University attends AS to complete the version reported by Jesús Enrique Gutiérrez, the coach who directed Neymar during his test period in Madrid.

Why didn't Neymar sign for Madrid in 2006?

"He was delighted with the Galactic. Over time, we were able to locate the father and make a proposal that earned $1m. He accepted easily. My whole meeting called me crazy at the time, but we all knew that Neymar was different. Keeping him it was essential for Santos and his achievements that had his main protagonist in him. It was a difficult decision that I had to make alone, but the timing was right. "

Did you get to talk to Madrid?

"At that time, we don't talk to Real Madrid."

Was Neymar near Los Blancos in 2006?

"If he didn't arrive before, it's because I stopped him with what I already told him."

Weren't relationships between Real Madrid and Santos good?

"Santos' relationship with Real Madrid in our time was problematic due to the departure of Robinho. But in the end, Santos' rights were maintained and the relationship was good."

And how relationships with Barça?

"With Barcelona there are trials in the Spanish Justice and the Arbitration Court of Sport (TAS), which imply the negotiation of Neymar that I cannot comment on this because I was president of the Santos Council."

Do you think Madrid and Barcelona are making an exaggerated effort for him?

"Neymar is one of the best players in world football. Within the individual quality, I see in him the ability to rival even Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I understand that one day we will still see this happen. He is well-advised by his companies, far away. I want to give him some advice. My advice is to play football and show the unique ability, which is a product of hard work and dedication, but especially the ability you received from God. "

Where do you want to see him soon?

"Any team in the world that Neymar decides to go will have an exemplary professional who will make a difference in the field. Let's see if it ends in Madrid, but it is a differential for everyone."

By last. How was the first time you saw him on a football field?

"He was 11 years old and played futsal. He took me to see Zito, who was our soccer manager and was a double world champion with Brazil (58 and 62) and the captain of Santos de Pelé, double world champion (62 and 63). Soon we were delighted with its unique quality. At that time we only had teams for more than 15 years. Thanks to Neymar, we created several base categories that helped the club to reveal other great players like Paulo Ganso, Felipe Anderson, Rafael Cabral, among dozens of others. "