Former Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo has backed Neymar to return to the Camp Nou but maintained that the Paris Saint-Germain forward must apologise first.

Neymar was criticised by Barcelona fans due to the manner in which he left for the French club. But Rivaldo is of the opinion that this should not hinder a potential return.

However, he did add that the forward must apologise and vow to be different (regarding his attitude).

“It’s a difficult decision,” Rivaldo told Goal at Camp Nou. “It’s difficult because of the way Neymar left. I think a lot of the fans are angry with everything that happened, but football is how it is, football is good, and Neymar is a great player who has personality.

“So if he comes here of course there will be times when he is criticised by some fans, but in the games, the training sessions, Neymar will still be the same Neymar, and it could be something special for Barcelona.

He adds: “He should say sorry. Officially, yes. Say sorry, say he was wrong, say that this is his home, that he is going to be the difference.

“I think that all the fans… many will understand, they’ll see him on the pitch in the league, the Champions League, doing things well, and the fans will forgive him easily.

“If it’s like it was when he was here playing football before together with Messi and Suarez, it was great for the club. If they win the Champions League, I don’t think it will be a problem for the fans.”