Tite, coach of the Brazil national team, has revealed that Neymar has asked to be made his country’s captain once again.
After leading the Selecao to Olympic Games gold on home soil in the summer of 2016, the Barcelona forward gave up the armband, announcing that he didn’t want to wear it any longer.
However, according to the Brazil boss, the striker’s feelings on that particular subject have changed since the turn of the year.
“At the time, I asked him to let me know when he felt he had matured and ready to take it again,” Tite told Extra.
“He’s going to be the captain again.
“His youth doesn’t bother me. I smile when people compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi as they are players from a different generation who have already reached their peak, while Neymar has not.”
The 55-year-old also touched on the future of one of his country’s brightest talents, Gabriel Jesus, who is set to join Manchester City and had some words of warning for Pep Guardiola as to how best to use the forward.
“I hope that he will be used in a central position as he is a classic centre forward, a real No. 9,” Tite added.
“I hope that he isn’t played down the wings.
“Even although he plays in [Sergio] Aguero’s position, I believe that he can reach his full potential.”
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