Real Madrid legend Ronaldo believes his former side did not really try to sign Neymar this summer, labelling a rumoured pursuit for his Brazilian compatriot as “not viable”.

Neymar, who endured a tough World Cup for Brazil, has been heavily linked for some time with the Bernabeu just over one year on since his world-record switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the Whites, this summer, distanced themselves from speculation that they had ever even tried to acquire the 26-year-old’s talents.

And Ronaldo, through his connections at the club and with the player himself, backed up Real’s version of events in an interview with Marca.

“Nobody from Real Madrid has made their interest clear,” the 41-year-old, who is widely considered one of the best players ever, said.

“All good players are interesting to them, and nine out of ten teams will want Neymar. I don’t think there was an attempt to sign him and you can’t play with people’s emotions.

Ronaldo added: “He (Neymar) is not viable and there has been no attempt, but I speak only as a lover of the club.”