Want to stay at Barcelona, Messi deserves Ballon d'Or: Neymar

Spanish champions FC Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar confirmed on Tuesday that he wants to renew his contract with the Catalonian side after it expires on June 30, 2018, pointing out that there is no rush.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Neymar said "Of course I want to renew, but we'll talk about that later," reports Efe.

"I'm very happy at the club and in Barcelona, where I've adapted very well."

"I've got three more years on my contract and I leave these issues with my father," he explained.

The 23-year-old striker has become a regular starter especially after Argentine star Lionel Messi injured his knee.

Neymar stressed that he does not fear the pressure of leading the team's attacking lines without Messi, adding "since I was young, I've always assumed responsibilities, for Brazilian club Santos, for the national team."

Meanwhile, he made it clear that he believes this year's Ballon d'Or award, given to footballer of the year, will be awarded to Messi who deserves it based on his performance and expressed his hope he will be on the final list of nominees.

The Brazilian star is convinced that this season's challenges will not be different from the last season, adding that the club's fans "need to be with us like they were last season, believing until the last minute. If they're with us, we're stronger."