Neymar: Hard to reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi

The Clasico pair continue to lay the benchmark in world football, with both players sharing the FIFA Ballon d'Or since 2008, and the Barcelona attacker conceded it may not be possible to replicate the unprecedented achievements of his peers.

"Cristiano and Lionel are better than any player today," he told Globo Esporte.

"It's difficult to compete with them. I don't know if I'll reach their level, but I hope to better myself each day. I always want to be better than I am.

"Everything happens in time, and mine had come when I left [Santos]. I grow every day, every season. I was happy at Santos but needed a fresh start, with bigger challenges, and I hope I can remain happy.

"2014 was a year of learning, there was joy and sorrow. I know I have to continue improving as I can't take things for granted. I look for more and more. That was my lesson of 2014."

The former Santos star then reflected on Brazil's recovery from their 7-1 capitulation against Germany at the World Cup and maintained there was much work to do.

"I had a great experience at the World Cup. Football is growing and becoming more competitive," he added.

"I know that for the 2018 World Cup I have to be more prepared than I was for 2014.

"[The 7-1 defeat to Germany] is an outdated issue, but we must be humble and remember it because that's what makes us learn.

"It's like when your parents scold you. You forget what happened, but not the education and information they gave you.

"We have to take a few steps forward in everything. We're moving a little slowly, not only tactically but in everything. We need to learn more, and quickly, to make sure we're not left behind.

"I don't know why Dunga chose me [for the captaincy]. I find it difficult to answer that. I don't like talking about my qualities or flaws.

"If he chose me, he'll have had his reasons and I appreciate his confidence in me. I'm very happy and I hope to carry out the role very well."

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