The 21-year-old arrived at the Camp Nou last week on a five-year contract in a deal reported to be worth around 58 million euros.

The former Santos striker had long been coveted by the Spanish champions, but was also believed to be on the radar of a number of top European clubs, with sides in England having shown an interest in him in the past.

But countryman Pele insists that he was right to opt for a career in La Liga, as Barca's style of football is more suited to his abilities.

"It was good for him having the chance to join Barcelona rather than an English club," said the three-time FIFA World Cup winner.

"Barca is by far the best group in the world.

"One of the first offers he got was from England and I think that it wouldn't be good for him moving to England because of the way they play football over there.

"So, in my opinion, it will be very good for him this year until the World Cup in terms of preparation so he will reach the national team with some good international experience."

Neymar is currently with the rest of the Brazil squad preparing for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which begins on June 15.

The tournament will act as a warm-up event for the World Cup in the country next year, and Pele believes the hosts can lay down a marker to do well in the 2014 showpiece with a strong performance.

He added: "We (Brazil) are going to deliver a great performance in the World Cup, no question about it.

"Of course, winning it is a different matter because it involves a number of factors, including luck.

"But I have said that I hope I do not have the same experience I had when I was nine years old, when I saw my dad crying because Brazil had lost the World Cup."