Brazilian futsal legend Falcao believes the influence of the sport has helped Neymar evolve into one of the world’s best players.

Falcao, whose full name is Alessandro Rosa Vieira, is one of the big name players currently participating in the Premier Futsal league in India, which also includes the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Ronaldinho.

The player is convinced the futsal format of the sport has boosted the skill-focused game of many of Brazil’s recent talents.

‘Neymar is a great friend of mine,’ Falcao told Goal. ‘We are always talking and he asks me about how it is going in India because of Premier Futsal. Neymar also knows that there are other futsal legends here.

‘Futsal has helped not only Neymar but Ronaldo, Robinho, Kaka to evolve and it is a fundamental sport back in Brazil played by all school kids.’

Falcao has claimed all Brazil’s best have dabbled in futsal.

‘When you become 12 or 13 then you decide – I picked to stay in futsal and some went to football. All these great players have played futsal and continue to do so even today for fun.’

According to the Brazilian the new Indian Premier League has a very high quality and the star was also keen to discuss some of the advantages of the sport.

‘Futsal is a very attractive sport because it is filled with action, skills, goals and it makes for great viewing.

‘Futsal the action is totally different – it is a stronger version and there are more goals. Most importantly it is indoor, when it is raining you can stay and sit with your family watching a great show,’ he concluded.