Neymar plays down Real talk, to remain with PSG
In his first public appearance since Brazil’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to Belgium, Neymar said he would honour PSG deal and called France’s Mbappe a phenomenon
SAO PAULO: Brazilian superstar Neymar sought to quash speculation about his future, insisting he planned to remain with French giants Paris Saint-Germain. “I’m staying, I’m staying in Paris, I have a contract,” Neymar told reporters at an auction to raise money for his charitable foundation in Sao Paulo.
Neymar, who became the world’s most expensive footballer last year after moving to PSG from Barcelona in a record 222 million euro deal, has repeatedly been linked to a move to Real Madrid. The European champions have issued a series of statements in recent weeks denying they have an interest in signing the 26-year-old striker.
Speculation of a Neymar move to the Bernabeu has intensified in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock move to Juventus, a development that has left a vacancy at Madrid for an elite, superstar player.
“In the face of the constant reports linking PSG’s Neymar Jr. to our club, Real Madrid CF wish to clarify that the club has no intention of making any offer for the player,” a Real Madrid statement said last week.
“The two clubs enjoy an excellent relationship and, as such, if Real Madrid were at any stage to consider securing the services of a PSG player, they would approach the club in the first instance.”
Although Neymar insisted on Thursday he was staying in Paris, reports persisted that a move could be on the cards.
British media reports said on Thursday PSG were open to the possibility of selling Neymar.
Madrid president Florentino Perez meanwhile said the club was determined to reinforce its squad following Ronaldo’s departure. “Real has a great squad that is going to be reinforced with magnificent players,” Perez said earlier this week. “We are aware of the level of demand of the team each seasurrounded son. We are Real Madrid and we always want more. We must reinforce the present and at the same time strengthen the future.”
Real however have also been linked to a move for Chelsea’s Belgium World Cup star Eden Hazard, who indicated on Saturday he was keen to leave the London club.
NEYMAR NOT UPSET
Neymar also said he isn’t upset with critics who have made fun of his apparent theatrics during the World Cup in Russia.
Earlier on Thursday, the Brazilian posted a video on Instagram like many others poking fun at his exaggerated reactions after being fouled during the World Cup. “I was joking (in the social media video). Since everybody is hopping on the bandwagon, I take it as a joke. I am not upset,” the Paris Saint-Germain striker told Fox Sports before the auction.
In the short video, Neymar is by children who fall after he gives them a sign. “It was just a moment I was with the kids and I decided to do it,” the striker said.
Fans, players and former soccer stars criticised the Brazilian for his overacting on the pitch in Russia, including a tearful moment at the end of the 2-0 win against Costa Rica and a lot of rolling after being fouled by adversaries.
His advocates, however, say the 26-year-old needs to be more protected by referees against constant and aggressive fouling from adversaries, and that his reactions are not as important.
MBAPPE ‘PHENOMENON’
Neymar also said “the grief is over” after Brazil’s World Cup elimination. “We have to choose to be happy. We have reasons to be sad, but I choose to be happy,” he said.
The Brazilian also praised his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, who won the World Cup with France at age 19.
“He is a phenomenon, a great player. We knew that from our day-to-day with him. I am very happy he played such a great World Cup,” Neymar said.
“I speak to Mbappe almost every day. I congratulated him for the title. It will be great to welcome him back as a World Cup champion.”
CESC BEGS HAZARD TO STAY AT CHELSEA
MELBOURNE: Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has urged team mate Eden Hazard not to leave the Premier League club amid reports that the Belgium forward is bound for Real Madrid.
“I think he’s our best player,” Fabregas said of his team mate after reaching Perth ahead of Monday’s friendly against Perth Glory. “We are a top club, we want to be a top team, we want to win things, and for that you need your best players. Eden is one of them. He’s a player that we all love to play with, especially me. For us, he’s our most important player,” Fabregas said.