Rodrygo has confirmed that Neymar will soon be leaving the Brazil national team with the Real Madrid winger taking his coveted No.10 shirt when he officially announces his retirement from international football.
Neymar is one of the most successful Brazilian footballers of his generation, having scored 74 goals in 119 caps. However, the Paris Saint-Germain star has never been able to deliver a major trophy for his nation after last year's Copa America final defeat against Argentina and frustration in the World Cup.
It is anticipated that the 30-year-old will play in this year's tournament in Qatar amid suggestions he will quit playing for his country. Rodrygo is one of a number of talented Brazilian players who can play in Neymar's position including Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Antony.
In an interview with PodPah via ESPN, Rodrygo revealed that the PSG man has already 'promised' him the shirt when he finishes playing for his national team. The 21-year-old has made just five appearances for Brazil.
"Neymar said: 'I'm already leaving the national team and 10 is yours'. I didn't even know what to say to him . I was embarrassed, I giggled and didn't even know what to say properly. I told him that he has to play some more, that I didn't want to now and stuff. And then he had a laugh," he said.
It seems as though Neymar has backed Rodrygo to become Brazil's next promising star and he is not the only one with Carlo Ancelotti tipping him to be in the best in the world. The former Santos man scored twice in their dramatic Champions League semi-final second-leg win over Manchester City last month.
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He added: "Zidane said that one day I would be the best in the world. Ancelotti also spoke. I try to train and evolve every day to get there. I was happy. I have this dream and I know that if I dedicate myself each day I can get there."
Neymar and Rodrygo have only played together a handful of times and featured against each-other in the Champions League last season where Karim Benzema's hat-trick dumped PSG out of the competition. This has sparked rumours over Neymar's future having failed to guide his side to that trophy.
When speaking about his club future, Neymar told Canal Football Club: "It has to be with Paris. I have a contract with PSG, so there are no other possible choices. Yes it will be with Paris Saint-Germain."
