Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo was ‘honored’ to be praised by Lionel Messi but insisted he must keep his feet on the ground.
The Brazilian joined the Catalan giants in a deal worth around €40m from Gremio this summer and has been compared to Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
“To receive praise from Messi is a great honour,” Arthur is cited as telling reporters by Diario AS.
“Now I have a huge responsibility as I am being selected for Barcelona and Brazil, so I must keep my head balanced and not focus on the praise as it will not help me improve.
“It is true that Xavi and Iniesta have always inspired me, they are the players I have based my game on them and it would be a dream to reach their level.
“I must use them as a mirror and must not be satisfied until I am at that incredible level but of course, at the moment I am very happy and want to continue this improvement.”
