Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has insisted that Neymar must play in Europe to reach his full potential.

Neymar has so far resisted offers from clubs in the Champions League to stay with Santos, racking up more than 100 senior appearances aged just 21.

Ronaldo believes that Neymar should play in the Champions League before his country hosts the World Cup next summer to improve and progress as a player.

He told Sports Spectacular: "Neymar is undoubtedly an excellent player. He is going to be one of the best in the world when he decides to play in Europe but he is too talented to be limited only to Brazil.

"He has had several proposals from clubs abroad, but he renewed his contract with Santos. Ideally the best time to leave for Europe would be before the World Cup in 2014.

"It would make him more mature and he would have more experience to lead Brazil."

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all been consistently linked with a move for the talented young forward.