Neymar encourages Wayne Rooney to leave Manchester United and transfer to Barcelona

Wayne Rooney (GETTY IMAGES)

Barcelona’s latest star signing, Neymar, has encouraged Wayne Rooney to play his football at the Camp Nou next season.

Rooney has been the subject of much speculation about an exit from Old Trafford following his request to leave the club at the end of the 2012/13 campaign, and has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid since.

But although the 27-year-old suffered a somewhat frustrating season, he has been described by Brazil star Neymar as someone who would fit into the Spanish champions’ side perfectly.

"The style of football Barcelona play and the level of the players we have - we are the perfect club for the top players to join,” said 21-year-old Neymar.

"I have met Wayne on a few occasions and he seems a good guy but importantly, he is one of the players I admire most in the world.

"Wayne is one of the most gifted and technical players in the world.

Furthermore, the forward admitted his ambition to play alongside Rooney and how much he would enhance Tito Vilanova's side.

"Of course he would improve Barcelona," he said.

"He would improve any club in Europe. And on a personal level, it would be a dream to play with him," added Neymar.