Amid the rumors that Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is wanted by La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, Unai Emery has encouraged the Brazilian superstar to work on his return to Spanish football, where he would be in league with the best. The former Arsenal boss is convinced Neymar will be the best in the world soon.
Emery and Neymar worked together in PSG as the Spanish coach was in charge at Parc des Princes during the Brazil international's maiden season with the club. The two parted ways shortly, and Emery is now back in Spain following his recent sacking by the Gunners.
Speculations are rife that Neymar is plotting an exit from Paris, which was the case last summer. There were attempts on the Brazilian's camp to forge a trade deal that will bring him back to Barca, but nothing came out of the negotiations.
To date, his stay with PSG can be described as far removed from the initial expectations. Since the Paris club bought Neymar for £198 million in 2017, PSG failed to advance in the Champions League for two years in a row.
And while PSG fared relatively better in domestic competitions, injuries plagued Neymar's spell with the club. Since signing up with the French club, Bleacher Report said Neymar had skipped a total of 58 games.
In light of these developments, the rumors persist Neymar would want to play in La Liga again and sign with interested Spanish giants, which the report identified as Real Madrid and the Brazilian's former club, Barcelona.
Emery said that he's been hearing stories of the former Barca star returning and offered: "I think Neymar has to come back."
"He is 27 years old and has all the conditions to be the best player in the world. In Spain I would like him to come back because the best players have to be in the best teams," the Spaniard was reported as saying.
Emery's sentiments were shared by former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who agreed that Neymar rejoining the Spanish giants will prove an excellent signing for the team.
"He'd be a great signing for Barcelona, another thing is whether it's necessary or not. For me, he's one of the best and he'd be a great signing," Marca reported Iniesta as saying.
The midfielder supported the perception by many, Emery including that Neymar has the makings of a great player, and he will likely further flourish with the right team and platform.
"He's one of the best forwards out there, not just now," added the Barcelona legend.
