Neymar in PSG contract talks, says father

The father of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar says the Brazil forward is in talks over a new contract with the Ligue 1 leaders.

Published : Mar 25, 2019 20:45 IST

Neymar is not likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season and is in talks with the Ligue 1 giants over a new contract, according to his father.

Barcelona has been linked with a return for Neymar, who became the world's most expensive footballer when he joined PSG in a deal worth €222million in 2017.

Real Madrid is also reported to be keen on buying Neymar to freshen up a forward line that has struggled to step up following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus.

The 27-year-old's father, however, said Neymar - who is sidelined by a foot injury - is not looking to leave Paris.

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"He still has three years to go before the end of his contract," Neymar's father said to Brazilian outlet UOL. "And we are already talking about an extension.

"The probability that he does not leave is very great. People say that Neymar is in all the rumours of a transfer to big clubs at every transfer window.

"It does mean that there is good management of his career, he is always among the names. But that does not mean he's going to go to one club or another."

Neymar Sr also felt that his son will inspire players just as Brazil icons Pele, Zico, Romario, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo did before him.

He defended his son against accusations he does not take the right approach on the pitch, claiming he will be an example for the next generation to follow.

"Neymar cannot change his essence, what he's made of, what he's formed from, the player he is," the star's father said to UOL. "He cannot be shaped, he cannot be what the media expects of him. 

"Neymar is Neymar, you will be comparing what kind of players would be compared to Neymar, just as Pele inspired some players, Zico, Romario, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo inspired others, Neymar will inspire other players."

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Neymar's absence has affected the Brazilian national team as it struggled in its recent international friendlies.
 

Neymar's father also said that plans are also being put in place for when Neymar decides to hang up his boots.

"It is my job as a manager to do a schedule and career planning for him," Neymar's father added.

"I have said several times that the football player's career is very short. He dedicated himself to being a football professional and he has to live his post-career career.

"Our main challenge is to do career planning so that when he stops playing football he has peace of mind so he can follow his life in the same way."

There is no rush, though, with Neymar planning to continue playing for another decade.

"We are fighting for another 10 years so we can at least keep the story or finish it the way we are today - happy," Neymar Sr continued. "We are happy with Neymar's career so far.

"Neymar cannot end his career by being unhappy, doing what others thought he should do, and failing to do what he thought he had to do. Neymar has to do what he thinks is right for him."

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