Neymar: I'll move to Europe whenever I want

Neymar and Santos are in eighth place in the Brazilian league.

Helio Suenaga/Getty Images

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Neymar says he may make his much-anticipated move to European football before his contract with Brazilian club Santos ends after next year's World Cup.

The Brazilian forward reiterates that he is happy at Santos but says he will leave any time he wants if he personally feels it's "the right thing to do.''

Until now, Neymar had constantly said he will not move to Europe before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, dismissing constant reports of his impending transfer.

Brazil teammate Daniel Alves recently told Spanish media the striker has already reached a deal to join him at Barcelona later this year, but Neymar downplayed his friend's statements.

Neymar made his comments after another disappointing performance with Santos on Sunday.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.