Irish Sunday Mirror

CAVANI: NEYMAR IS MY FRENEMY

- By NICK PATTISON

EDINSON CAVANI has spoken out about his clash with Paris Saint-germain team-mate Neymar, saying: “there are no friendly matches in football”.

Uruguay took on Brazil in an internatio­nal friendly at the Emirates on Friday night which finished 1-0 to the Selecao thanks to a Neymar penalty.

Eight yellow cards were brandished – six for Uruguay – and Cavani was among those booked for a reckless challenge on his PSG team-mate.

Chasing Neymar down the wing, Cavani flew in on the Brazilian and sent him sprawling to the ground in a heap.

He attempted to help Neymar back to his feet, but the Brazilian batted away his hand, prompting Cavani to walk away and then glare back at the former Barcelona man.

Cavani said: “When two South American teams meet, it’s always a bit intense.

“I think it was a very good match, and in the end we protested a bit about the penalty.

“But these are things that happen.

“It’s always good to face big teams like Brazil and playing against great rivals like Neymar or the other players that make up this Brazil team.

“Playing against this team with a great history is really good and that’s why we do not like to lose.

“There are no friendly matches in football. Sometimes there may be intensity, but after the game, once the game is over, there is only peace and tranquilli­ty outside the field.”

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