Pele has told Brazilian wonderkid Neymar to snub advances from Manchester City and instead choose Barcelona when he eventually quits his homeland.
Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday that the Premier League champions were preparing a £55million bid for the world's most sought-after youngster this summer.
However, the man whose throne Neymar seems destined to take has warned the 21-year-old Santos star against a move to England.
Pele said: 'The game is tougher in England, Italy and Germany because the referees usually let play go on. Barcelona would be ideal for him.
'Santos need him and for that reason I don't think he should leave but if he must go it should be to Barcelona.
'He is an excellent player but he doesn't have any experience outside Brazil. In every game he plays outside Brazil, he doesn't do well. Everybody thinks Neymar can solve the national team's problems, but he isn't ready for that burden.
We have a great deal of confidence in him but he has become a regular player for the national team.'
Pele also took a swipe at Neymar's attitude to fame. The hotshot forward is one of the most recognisable faces in Brazil and is reportedly worth £20million thanks to a number of sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Panasonic and Read Bull.
'We think that he is the best in the world, but he is more concerned about appearing in the media than playing for the team,' Pele said.
'Neymar has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. Right now his major concerns are fashion and his haircut.'
Neymar v Flamengo in 2011 - winner of the Puskas awar
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