New Real Madrid defender Danilo has admitted that it will be strange for "friend" Neymar to suddenly become his rival next season.

Danilo officially completed his move to the Bernabeu on Wednesday, and will lock horns with the Barcelona attacker next term.

The two played together at Brazilian club Santos, and Danilo has claimed that Neymar understood his decision to move to Real Madrid, despite the fact that Barcelona were also said to be interested.

"I played at Santos with him for a few years, we were a winning partnership; we are friends," Danilo told Marca.

"He knows better than anyone that these things are down to the individual, that everyone has to decide their own future. It was my personal decision and he respects that."

Danilo and Neymar are also Brazilian international teammates.