Neymar ‘close’ to Ballon d’Or: Ronaldo

London : Ronaldo believes Neymar has “everything to be happy” at Paris Saint-Germain and told SFR Sport his fellow Brazilian is close to winning the Ballon d’Or.

Since Neymar’s world-record €222 million transfer from Barcelona to PSG last summer, there have been reports in the French and Spanish media that have suggested the Brazil international has regretted the move.

“I haven’t really spoken about it with him, but I think he has everything here to be happy,” Ronaldo explained. “He’s in a marvellous city. He’s in a team that plays very well, who’ve had a good start to the season. Perhaps he’s under a lot of pressure, but he’s used to it. I think this project is incredible.

“He has everything to be happy and you can see that on the pitch. When he plays in a relaxed manner, happy, the results come. He pulls off great moves, scores beautiful goals. He gives joy to football.”

One of the reasons put forward for Neymar’s willingness to leave Barca was his desire to step out of the shadow of Lionel Messi and become the star of his club. The Brazilian has scored 18 league goals this season and has assisted on another 11.