NEYMAR THANKED SUPPORTERS after appearing at a Rio de Janeiro police station to give testimony for an investigation linked to the allegation of rape brought against him.
The 27-year-old is accused of raping a woman in a Paris hotel on 15 May, which he has vehemently denied.
On Sunday, Neymar posted an Instagram video in which he claimed the allegations were an attempt to “extort” him.
The Brazil international revealed private messages he said were exchanged between himself and the woman, which included intimate photos.
The Computer Crime Investigation Office (DRCI) in Rio opened an investigation following the release of the pictures and the Paris Saint-Germain star was summoned to answer questions.
“I would like to thank you all for your support, the messages I’ve been getting, my fans,” Neymar told reporters as he left the police station on Thursday.
“I’m feeling their love, I can only thank them all.”
Neymar’s lawyer, Maira Fernandes, briefly addressed the gathered crowd, adding: “[We want] to prove the innocence of our client.
“We’re very confident about [reaching a positive conclusion].”
Neymar arrived in a wheelchair and used crutches to walk after damaging his ankle in Brazil’s friendly win over Qatar in Brasilia on Wednesday, an injury that forced him to pull out of the upcoming Copa America.
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Interesting read. However you’d imagine players (as humans) would do their research on these things before committing. Probably blinded by the money at first but just shows it’s not everything.
@Barry Lehane: professional footballers live in a bubble, I’m not sure they would do too much research
The Saudi league is turning out to be just like the China League.
Fair play to these footballers for getting to the top of their profession. But it’s hard to listen to a 29 year old professional footballer giving out about his quietly of life when he’s getting well paid. You went there mate. Cry me a fxxking river.
@David Staed: quality
@David Staed: correct
Wonder what he was expecting? Doesn’t strike me as the fizziest drink in the fridge.
So sorry to hear these guys are unhappy crying all the way to the bank
Saudi project will fail.
If you’re only means of attracting players is throwing big money at them you had better make sure you’re actually good for it.
Refusing to honour contracts and stiffing players won’t do your reputation any favours! And what can players do? Sue them? In a Saudi Court?
Back to the civilised democratic world lads.
@Dan P: Good post Dan.