Dani Alves: Neymar had to leave the shadow of Lionel Messi

PSG defender Dani Alves says he had nothing to do with persuading Neymar to leave Barcelona and join him, but says the Brazilian forward had to get out of the shadow of Lionel Messi.

"I think he’s up there with Messi as the most influential player in world football," said Alves in an interview with FIFA.

"The thing is, he had to come out of his shadow a little. Playing with someone as unique as Leo is the most incredible thing that can happen to you, but there’s always that doubt in your mind if it’s you that really has the quality or if it’s him.

"I always loved playing with him, but he’s Argentinian and Ney and I are Brazilians. Sooner or later we had to come up against each other (laughs). I think you’ve got a better chance of achieving things individually when you’re not so close to a player like him.

"It was important for Ney’s own development and for Brazil for him to follow his own path."

Asked about his role in bringing Neymar to PSG, Alves replied: "I hardly had anything to do with it, though I was involved when he signed for Barcelona. I gave him some advice and told him about all the good things I’d experienced at the club and in the city. But it wasn’t like that this time.

"It was just a case of me getting here before him (laughs), though there was a moment when he was unsure about what to do. I just told him to follow his heart and be happy. That was the only advice I gave him."