Pele believes young Brazil striker Neymar would make a mistake if he moved to Chelsea to play in the Premier League.
Santos says Chelsea has been trying to sign Neymar, but Brazil legend Pele said Wednesday he thinks the 18-year-old sensation is not ready to make the move yet.
"He is not prepared to play in England," Pele said.
The former Santos star said Neymar would not easily adapt to the style of play in the English league and would be better off staying in Brazil for the time being.
Chelsea's initial offer reportedly reached $26 million, but Santos said it will not sell Neymar unless the $45 million buyout clause on his contract is paid.
Brazil coach Mano Menezes also said Neymar, who debuted with the national team in a 2-0 victory in a friendly against the United States earlier this month, would be better off staying in Brazilian football a bit longer. Other football personalities in Brazil have also tried to persuade Neymar to reject the Chelsea offer, and even Sports Minister Orlando Silva reportedly is trying to convince him to stay.
Neymar has said he would like to stay, but doesn't rule out a move to play with the English club either. Santos is negotiating with the player to try to reach a deal that would give the striker more money and keep him with the club.
Neymar, who became known as the new Robinho when he appeared in Santos' senior squad, is one of Brazil's most talked-about youngsters in recent years. Along with playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso, he helped Santos win this year's traditional Sao Paulo state championship and the Brazilian Cup. He scored a goal in Brazil's victory against the United States in New Jersey.
Pele, who is in the southern city of Porto Alegre for the Copa Libertadores final between Brazil's Internacional and Mexico's Guadalajara, backed the Brazilian federation's decision to hire Corinthians coach Menezes for the Brazil job.
"It was an excellent choice," Pele said. "He is competent and knows football. I hope it works out."
Pele defended former coach Dunga, however.
"He kept Brazil from losing for three years," he said. "Brazil lost in the World Cup on details, that's how it goes."
Pele praised world champion Spain for its performance in South Africa and said he would have fit in playing in that squad.
"I would like to have played in a team like that, no doubt," Pele said.
