Neymar coy on Santos future, opens up after row with fans | OneFootball

Neymar stood out for Santos on and off the pitch in the 1-1 draw with Deportivo Recoleta in the second round of the Copa Sudamericana. During the 90 minutes, the No. 10 scored Peixe’s goal in the match played at Vila Belmiro, but after the final whistle, he stole the spotlight because of an argument with a group of fans.

After the match, Neymar opened up about the argument and explained what sparked the exchange with Santos supporters. The No. 10 said he was upset by the criticism, which, according to him, was based on his personal life rather than his professional one. In addition, the star said he “does more than he should” for the club.

“I only responded to the fan because he spoke to me that way. I understand criticism of our game, that’s part of it. Now, when it becomes personal or turns into a different kind of attack, I won’t accept it. I’m a level-headed guy, I give my life to football and to this club, I even do more than I should. So I can’t accept that kind of comment. I’m not saying they can’t criticize me for what I do on the pitch. But personal criticism, outside of football, I won’t accept. With all due respect. The fans are upset to come away with a draw against Recoleta. We’re very upset too. It felt more like a loss. That’s it, now we have to keep our heads up and move on,” he explained.

“I’m upset by everything I heard from some fans. It wasn’t because of my performance on the pitch, but because of personal matters, because of what the media posts. Fans end up going too far. It’s not criticism of what I do on the pitch, but insults in a different way. That upsets me, because I give my life for this club, I do even more than I should. Being treated that way is not nice,” he continued.

Neymar plays coy about future at Santos

Neymar is under contract with Santos until the end of the year. In recent days, rumors have emerged about the star moving to MLS. However, Neymar played coy about his future and said he is unaware of any offer to leave Peixe.

“I don’t know anything about that. I don’t know, honestly I don’t know. I have a contract with Santos until the end of the year and I intend to fulfill it,” he said.

The Athletic revealed FC Cincinnati’s interest in Neymar. Talks are reportedly at an early stage, and the parties are still evaluating the idea of the No. 10 playing in the United States. Marcelo Teixeira, Santos president, said he is unaware of any offers for the No. 10, but left the star’s future in his own hands.

Santos’ next match

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.