I’m a Premier League footballer who has played with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar… they all share same trait
LIVERPOOL loanee Arthur Melo has the rare boast of having played with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
The midfielder, 26, arrived on Merseyside at the beginning of the campaign but has played just one game for Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
Fitness issues have seen him struggle at Anfield as he dropped down to the U21s.
But during his two years at Barcelona, he graced the field with Argentina icon Messi.
He then moved to Juventus in 2020 where he enjoyed one season alongside Ronaldo.
And for the Brazilian national team – where he has accumulated 22 caps – Neymar has been ever-present in the side.
Now he has compared the trio of legendary footballers, insisting they all have one similarity.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “Neymar, CR7 and Messi. All three have something in common. They have a winning mentality.
“Whether it’s a training session, a friendly or a final, the three always go out to kill. Even if they play against their mother, they don’t care. Their mentality is tremendous.
“Neymar is skilled, he feints, he dribbles… Cristiano scores a goal wherever he is, he scores a goal wherever he goes, because he has incredible ability… And Messi, well, Messi is an ET. An alien. One thing out of the ordinary.
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“I had the opportunity to play with all three and see them up close. Each one with their characteristics, some dribble more or finish better, but I prefer their mentality.
“All three are out of the ordinary in that regard.”
Arthur is set to return to Juventus at the end of the season despite Liverpool’s £32million option to buy.
He has two years left on his existing contract with the Serie A giants.
Discussing his future, he said: “Next season I see it with good eyes. It will be decisive in my career and I am working very well. I’m looking forward to showing this new version of Arthur.
“Hopefully I have an option to say goodbye in Liverpool by playing something, to say goodbye to my team-mates, the technical committee and the fans, who have been very good to me.”