Teixeira coy on Neymar deal, backs star’s Seleção return: “Indispensable” | OneFootball

President of Santos, Marcelo Teixeira once again avoided discussing the contract renewal with Neymar. A month ago, the leader had said that discussing the extension of the star's contract was "premature." This Tuesday, he reiterated that the player's focus is on the World Cup in 2026.

"We are not dealing with it because the thought, the priority is the World Cup. Unless there is something different, something abnormal. But if not, the possibility is of this renewal," Teixeira stated in an interview with the podcast Barbacast.

Neymar returned to Santos in February this year, with a contract only until June. Shortly before the contract expired, the number 10 confirmed his stay at Peixe until the end of the year. Currently, he is treating a grade 2 injury to the rectus femoris of the right thigh and remains absent for Vojvoda.

"Unlike other seasons, he was already playing longer in matches, even the full 90 minutes. A sequence of games, which already gives us a positive expectation on the field. These are not the same injuries. He has injuries in different places. And we have to understand that both the last surgery and the recovery process from the last surgery may not have been so adequate for an athlete of Neymar's caliber. We are working on this so that he can be more strengthened and prepared to play intensely, because Brazilian football can no longer be just about passing and moving. He has to be prepared for these impacts, especially him, who is a targeted player and always has a different participation on the field," said the Santos president.

Teixeira defends Neymar in the National Team

Teixeira also defended Neymar's return to the Brazilian National Team. The star has not worn the Canarinho jersey since October 2023, when he suffered a severe knee injury. Since then, he was called up in March this year by Dorival Júnior but was cut due to injury.

After Carlo Ancelotti's arrival, Neymar was no longer called up. The Italian coach is questioned about the star's return in every press conference but always insisted that, before returning to the lists, the forward needs to meet one condition: being 100% physically fit.

"It's clear, Neymar's presence for the Brazilian National Team in next year's World Cup is essential. The National Team with Neymar, in terms of respect, positioning, leadership, everything revolves around him. So his presence is fundamental," Teixeira evaluated.

The Santos president also hopes for Neymar's quick recovery, who has been off the field since the last September 19 due to the thigh injury.

"If you ask Marcelo the fan, we hope Neymar delivers a better result on the field now. He wants to, we want to, because him being well, or at 50% of his performance, is already infinitely better, with all due respect to the other players, than anyone playing in Brazilian football. We hope for this quick recovery so that he can help Santos and the Brazilian National Team as well," concluded the president.

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