Brazil legend Ronaldo has admitted that he and the rest of the country had expected Neymar to perform better at this summer's World Cup.

PSG ace Neymar was built up as Brazil's big hope for success in Russia but, despite scoring two goals and assisting one more in five games, he was unable to help his country progress beyond the quarter-finals.

Neymar broke his foot in February when his club season ended prematurely and, although he was able to get fit in time for the World Cup, Ronaldo believes the injury lay-off prevented the 26-year-old reaching his full potential in Russia.

Neymar is pictured walking with his head bowed the day after Brazil lost to Belgium in Kazan

Ronaldo presents Neymar with the Best Ligue 1 Player award at a Paris ceremony in May

Ronaldo explained: 'We all expected more from him because he's the star of the team. I don't know if it was because of the operation he had on his foot or another problem but I saw him as quite limited on the pitch.

'To arrive at a World Cup following an operation and three months out is complicated. To play the first match as if nothing had happened is difficult.

'He needs to learn from this World Cup. He's 25 or 26. He's young, talented and there's a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.'

Neymar was widely criticised for the amount of time he spent on the floor after being fouled — or not — in Russia.

Ronaldo revealed that he has previously had words with Neymar about his tendency to go down.

He added: 'I spoke with him about this a while ago. Five years ago I asked him why he did it and he told me it was so the person fouling him couldn't do more damage.'