Neymar plays down rivalry with Thiago Mendes and calls for end to comparisons | OneFootball

Neymar moved to end talk over his relationship with Thiago Mendes after Santos beat Vasco 3-0 at São Januário in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The player said in a post that he does not view it as a personal rivalry and wants comparisons to stop.

The issue resurfaced before kick-off when Thiago Mendes did not greet Neymar during the on-pitch protocol. After the win, Santos’ account aimed barbs at the Vasco midfielder on social media. Neymar had been directly involved in two of the visitors’ three goals.

Neymar sought to downplay the episode further, indicating he has no desire to turn meetings with Thiago Mendes into a feud. He added that he has better things to focus on than fuelling any personal dispute.

The pair’s history dates back to Europe. In December 2020, while Neymar was at Paris Saint-Germain and Thiago Mendes at Lyon, a late tackle from the midfielder saw the Brazilian leave on a stretcher, then a VAR review led to a red card. Thiago Mendes later received a three-match suspension from the French federation.

Their reunion in Brazil brought fresh flashpoints. In the first Santos versus Vasco meeting at Vila Belmiro, they clashed and Neymar called his opponent “babaca”. Afterwards, Thiago Mendes demanded respect following Neymar’s shush gesture towards the home support during a goal celebration.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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