Former Santos coach Muricy Ramalho believes Barcelona are wrong to put new signing Neymar on a plan to put on weight.
Back in June, Barcelona doctor Ricard Pruna stated that the forward needed to gain more weight to be able to compete in Europe.
"They're going to take away his speed," Ramalho told Brazilian radio station Jovem Pan.
"With small players such as Xavi, (Andrés) Iniesta, and (Lionel) Messi at Barça, I never imagined that they would do this."
Ramalho knows Neymar well, having worked with the player during a two-year spell as coach of the Brazilian club.
He added: "If Neymar puts on weight, they're going to take away everything that's best about him."
The 57-year-old then compared Neymar's situation to that of a former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldo.
"If he puts on weight he could suffer a knee injury, like what happened to Ronaldo. It's a dangerous business," said Ramalho.
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| Neymar has been warned that he could injure his knee if he gains more weight Photo: Getty Images |
Back in June, Barcelona doctor Ricard Pruna stated that the forward needed to gain more weight to be able to compete in Europe.
"They're going to take away his speed," Ramalho told Brazilian radio station Jovem Pan.
"With small players such as Xavi, (Andrés) Iniesta, and (Lionel) Messi at Barça, I never imagined that they would do this."
Ramalho knows Neymar well, having worked with the player during a two-year spell as coach of the Brazilian club.
He added: "If Neymar puts on weight, they're going to take away everything that's best about him."
The 57-year-old then compared Neymar's situation to that of a former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldo.
"If he puts on weight he could suffer a knee injury, like what happened to Ronaldo. It's a dangerous business," said Ramalho.
