Douglas Costa: Neymar is the most important talent Brazil has had in the last 30-40 years.

According to Diario Sport, Douglas Costa, speaking in Milan for the Kings League Club World Cup, said the tournament is growing rapidly and also praised Neymar and Rafinha.

The former Brazilian international, who played for Bayern Munich and Juventus, said this was his first time experiencing the Kings League as a spectator: "This is my first time here, seeing how it works from the sidelines, and all these amazing performances. To be honest, I really enjoyed it."

He also said he promised to be with and support his friends during the tournament: "I will be with them every day and hope they win. All the teams that have advanced are very strong, but I will always support Furia." The Brazilian player also praised the quality of football on the pitch in Milan: "I love watching good football, and this is very good."

The winger believes that the project spearheaded by Pique has made significant progress since its inception: "It has grown very quickly. I've seen what it looked like at the beginning, and it has changed a lot since then."

He also specifically praised the opportunities that Kings League provides to players who don't make it into the professional league: "It's another opportunity for young people who don't get to play professional football. With presidents like Neymar or James, they can get on the pitch, experience it, be with the fans, and compete in important stadiums."

"Neymar is the most important talent of the last 30 to 40 years."

The former Brazilian international also spoke about Neymar's role in the Brazilian national team, and unhesitatingly placed him among the most important Brazilian stars in modern times: "For us, Neymar will always be Neymar. He is the most important talent we have had in the last 30 to 40 years."

Costa hopes his compatriot can overcome his injuries and enjoy the final stage of his career: "What I hope for now is that he can enjoy his last moments, let go of the past, and be Neymar again, that's all."

The former Bayern player also emphasized Rafinha's importance and speculated on what would have happened if he had been fully fit for the World Cup: "Rafinha is a very important player. He has proven himself at Barcelona and everywhere he has played. He is a top player, and if 'Rafa' had been 100% fit, the outcome would have been different."