Arthur reveals details of his relationships with Leo Messi & Neymar

Arthur Melo has given an interview to Globoesporte in which he speaks about his relationship with two of his teammates, one for his club and the other for his national team, Lionel Messi and Neymar. Since his arrival at FC Barcelona, the Brazilian has formed links with the two stars, even spending part of his Christmas break with Neymar. 

On his compatriot Neymar, Arthur revealed their friendship "began with the national team. He's a simple guy, really playful. We've got close, he helped me a lot with Brazil. When I came to Barcelona, I called me to do dinner, to do something, to meet up. Online I play video games with him. We speak nearly every day. When he plays on my side, he wins, but when he's against me, he loses," he joked. 

The Barça midfielder also had praise for Leo Messi. "Honestly I didn't expect it. He's a guy I admire and, in my opinion and many other people's, he's the best player in history. He gave me a lot of confidence, he helped me in training and in games. If the best player in the world praises you, I think that gives you some extra confidence. I am really grateful for his words and the attitude he has with me and everyone else in the dressing room." said Arthur. 

Finally, the Brazilian also refereed to Xavi and Andres Iniesta. He confessed that the inspiration for his style is Xavi. "I always admited him. Everything he did, I tried to do the same. He's a phenomenon. It's much more cerebral than anything else." On Iniesta, he spoke of his honour and taking his No.8 shirt at Camp Nou: "It's special to use the shirt of your idol. I felt really happy to get his number and I hope I can honour a shirt which has given so much joy to the Barça fans."