When Neymar sent message to Chelsea in 2012 when he was ‘almost certain’ to join Blues

Add as preferred source on Google

Before his 2013 move to Barcelona, Neymar was the hottest young talent in world football.

He made the top 10 for the Ballon d’Or in 2011, the only player to feature on the list from a league outside Europe. His raw ability and dazzling flair captivated fans and made Neymar a dream target for every big club.

• READ MORE: How much Chelsea have spent on transfers in football history, no one else comes close

He would join Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou in the summer of 2013, but not before flirting with a move to Chelsea, even to the point of sending the Blues a message on what was then called Twitter.

Neymar congratulated Chelsea on their Champions League Final win

A night that will live long in the memory for Chelsea fans, the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich on penalties was a cracking game, and Neymar seemed to enjoy it as well. After the game, he tweeted: “I just watched the Champions League final … Congratulations Chelsea!!”

What makes this old find even more interesting is that it came at a time when the young Brazilian was being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

According to Sky Sports, Santos were ‘almost certain’ Neymar would be sold to Chelsea, which gives the kind words some possible context. Or perhaps he was just impressed by the quality on display that magical night in Munich.

Regardless, it is a perhaps unpleasant revelation for Chelsea fans, who would have relished the chance to see the Brazilian ply his trade at Stamford Bridge.

Neymar will be following Estevao Willian at Chelsea

Over a decade later, Neymar is still keeping up with the Blues. In the lead-up to their acquisition of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras last season, Neymar heaped praise on Chelsea’s new attacker.

Speaking to Ginga Bonito, Brazil’s talisman had this to say: “I think Estevao of Palmeiras is [a] big talent that is surging in Brazilian football. I think he will be a genius.”

That is some statement from Neymar about a player with a lot of expectations, but Estevao impressed Enzo Maresca against Chelsea and looks like a player with enough confidence to deliver on his potential.

We’re sure Neymar will be tuning in to see how his countryman gets on in England.