Former Brazil international Roberto Carlos has called on the national team's more experienced members to take some of the pressure off of Neymar ahead of this summer's World Cup.
The 22-year-old Barcelona forward has already notched 27 goals in 46 appearances for his country and is seen by many as the key to the Selecao achieving their sixth world title, and their first on home soil, later this year.
However, Carlos has urged fans not to heap too much pressure on Neymar, who is just over halfway through his first season in European football.
"I believe that 2014 will not be the World Cup of Neymar," the 40-year-old former Real Madrid full-back told Brazil's Metro Jornal.
"He is still young. Brazil have other players who must take responsibility before him.
"I know he will play well, but he should not be pushed so much at this level because he is newly arrived in Europe. Others have to take the pressure off him."
Carlos was part of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in 2002 under Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will also manage the Selecao for this year's tournament.
Giuseppe Labellarte
