Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa has revealed his hero is Ronaldo… but it’s the Portuguese one!
'New Neymar' said his dream is to be as good as Barca star yet his icon is someone hated by Catalan side's fans
BRAZILIAN wonderkid Gabriel Barbosa has revealed his hero is Ronaldo… but it’s the Portuguese one!
The kid labelled the ‘Next Neymar‘ has been targeted by Barcelona yet he picked the Real Madrid icon as his favourite player and not the 1998 and 2002 World Cup winner from his homeland.
Santos star Barbosa, 19, is set to play alongside Neymar in Brazil’s opening game of the Rio 2016 Olympics against South Africa tonight.
He has said it is his dream to achieve “something near” to what Neymar’s done in his career.
And all the stars appear to be aligned given Luis Enrique’s side have already lodged a £17million offer for his services.
But there is a problem. A big one.
His favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barbosa was asked by FourFourTwo who his “biggest idol” in the game is.
And he replied: “I’m a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. He never gives up, he’s always trying to help his team and he scores a couple of goals every now and then.”
And Gabigol, who made his league debut for Pele’s old club Santos aged 16, revealed if things do not work it in Spain, then a Premier League move could be on the cards.
Chelsea have already shown an interest and Barbosa said of the English top flight: “I love that league.
“It has its own pace and power, which is beautiful to see.
“In the past people said that the English teams didn’t play attractive football, but it’s not true these days.
“I’m sure I would adapt to the Premier League without a problem.”