Both players have already made quite a name for themselves, but the former Brazil star has urged them to focus solely on their football if they want to become the best
Zico has slammed Mario Balotelli and Neymar for “spending too much time on their activities off the pitch”.
Zico feels Balotelli has the potential to become one of the best players in the world, but has urged the Italy international to focus solely on his performances on the pitch.
“Neymar and Balotelli have the same problem. They spend too much time on their activities off the pitch,” Zico was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“In my days, players were only thinking about publicity during holiday and on rest days. Nowadays they are always clubbing and looking to entertain themselves, though. Neymar is dragging himself from one show to another.
“Balotelli is a great player, though, although he must learn to control his temper. Opponents will always try to provoke him.
“He is a very intelligent player on the pitch and can carry the team. I don’t think he is overrated. He’s not a phenomenon yet, but he could become one. He has the potential to become one of the best players in the world. It’s all up to himself.”
Both Balotelli and Neymar will be looking for success on the pitch this summer as they feature at the Confederations Cup for Italy and Brazil respectively.