NEYMAR’S FATHER HAS again insisted that Paris Saint-Germain were well aware the Brazil star would not be returning for pre-season training on July 8.
The Ligue 1 champions said they would take “appropriate action” against the forward after he did not appear for club duties yesterday.
The news has fuelled rumours Neymar will look to force through a move away from the club in the transfer window, with a return to Barcelona mooted as well as a possible switch to Real Madrid.
PSG said in a statement that they had not authorised the player’s absence, but Neymar Sr. is adamant they had agreed he would not be back until 15 July due to commitments with Instituto Neymar, a charitable organisation set up by the 27-year-old and his family.
“The reason [for his absence] is known and was scheduled one year ago, with the annual schedule of his institute, and we couldn’t change it,” he first told Fox Sports Brazil .
“His return will be on the 15th. It’s as simple as that… no controversy. And PSG are aware and are part of the institute’s actions.”
Then, speaking later on Monday to RMC , he added: “We have commercial and institutional programs. Those dates were scheduled a month ago. PSG were informed – they were even present at the event last year.
“The Neymar Institute organises these events every year and everybody know the dates. We scheduled this year’s dates on 10 July.”
The majority of the PSG squad went through medical tests on Monday to begin their pre-season programme under Thomas Tuchel. Neymar had been part of the Brazil squad for the Copa America until an ankle injury suffered in a warm-up match against Qatar forced him to miss the tournament.
He stayed in his homeland to watch Tite’s side, who lifted the trophy on Sunday after beating Peru 3-1 in the final.
I think it’s safe to say a lot of current ‘stars’ of the game were never threatened with a wooden spoon as a child
@Brian Connolly: there was no need, a glance of one and they’d have been rolling around the place as if they’d been shot.
@Brian Connolly: are you advocating beating children?
Not nice to say the least.
@Rory Stafford: Not all children, just the bold ones.
Once an a…hole, always an a…hole
Serves them right for making the transfer market even more obscene than it had been..
This smells a bit fishy to me from PSG, I’d say it was true that they were told about his schedule and they are trying to fuel a transfer from their side too. They want rid but can’t just stick him on the transfer market as his value would drop a bit
@Declan Snow: his value will drop because (a) they overpaid (b) he’s not trustworthy
@Limón Madrugada: But he is very marketable and he will sell you lots of jerseys