Neymar would have needed special boots to deal with England’s muddy pitches

A deal to bring Neymar to the Premier League fell apart because of the special boots demanded by the forward to play on muddy pitches in England.

The Brazilian popped up on everybody's radar with some magic performances for Santos before Manchester City had attempted to sign the forward in 2013. But, according to The Telegraph's Mark Ogden, the deal was given the boot after Neymar made it clear that he would require special footwear to allow him to perform on the muddy, English pitches. Sure, the talented little fella can do this. But we sincerely doubt he could pull off that move in a thundery rainstorm at the Britannia. The skilful Brazil international will get a chance to see how he would have fared when Barcelona visit the Etihad in February in the Champions League last 16.