​Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken glowingly about Barcelona forward Neymar this week, likening the rising global icon to a younger version of himself.





"I like Neymar a lot. He is a bit like me," Ronaldo explained in comments published by the Daily Mail.





"He had some difficulties in getting used to his new environment at first, but I knew that he was going to succeed."

Neymar certainly has succeeded after initially taking some time to adapt after his big money move from Santos in the summer of 2013.





The Brazilian went on to enjoy an incredible European breakout season in 2014/15, netting 39 goals in all competitions as Barcelona went on to complete the second La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League treble in their history.





That was rewarded with a place in the final three for last year's Ballon d'Or and now Neymar is widely being tipped to eventually take over Lionel Messi's mantle at Camp Nou.

Asked for his opinion on that particular matter, Ronaldo replied, "Yes, he has everything he needs to become as strong as him."





Ronaldo's words come after Neymar was full of praise for the Real star, even suggesting he would like to see the Portuguese legend switch allegiances to Barcelona.





"I'm a fan of Cristiano," the 24-year-old explained. "He's a legend, one of a kind. It would be very good if he played for Barcelona."



