Latin America

Neymar to stay at Santos until 2014

Santos striker Neymar has been linked with Europe's top clubs.
Share This Story

     
 

Brazilian wonderkid Neymar has again reiterated his desire to snub lucrative moves to Europe and commit to Santos until 2014.

COOLER TALK

Which big name stars could be on the move? Find out with the latest Rumor Redux.

The 20-year-old is one of world football's most sought-after young talents, with his performances in his homeland attracting the attention of some of the game's biggest clubs.

Barcelona were widely believed to be the frontrunners to sign the striker, though Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest.

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro revealed earlier this month that a proposed move to Stamford Bridge over the summer never materialised, while Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has said he would discuss Neymar's situation with new director of football Txiki Begiristain.

Neymar himself has always been keen to play down any talk of a move to Europe, stressing the benefits of developing his game in the Brasileirao.

That has not stopped the speculation, however, and the forward appeared exasperated when he was quizzed about his future in New Jersey, where he is with the Brazilian national team for a friendly with Colombia.

"When will you stop asking me that? I'm tired already," he told Globo Esporte.

"I have a contract with Santos until 2014 and I intend to see it out.

"If I stay or leave before that it's up to Santos' president."

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo believes Neymar faces a difficult balancing act between his own development as a player and his status as the poster-boy for Brazilian football.

"This is a complicated matter because it involves Brazilian passion, our biggest idol at the moment and our will to see him playing here every weekend," the 36-year-old told Arena Sportv.

"But for his career development, to fight to be the world's best player, he should be playing for a big European club.

"If would be interesting for the national team if he played for a big European club, so that he would be ready and experienced to face any defence in the World Cup.

"If he goes to Europe, he'll be fighting for the world's best player award with Crisitano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi."

Member Comments

Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.

powered by
FoxSoccerNews_FrontWindow_PostLaunch

Trending Now

SOCCER Videos

Borussia Dortmund's road to Wembley Posted: May 23, 2013
FOX Soccer News takes a look at Borussia Dortmund's road to this year's Champion...

UEFA Champions Festival kicks off in London Posted: May 23, 2013
FOX Soccer News host Brendan Dunlop checks out the UEFA Champions festival in Lo...

Boris Becker talks Bayern Munich Posted: May 23, 2013
FOX Soccer News correspondent Adam Hunt talks to former World No. 1 German profe...

Roberto Martinez ready to decide Wigan future Posted: May 22, 2013
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has to decide his future in next 24 hou...

London prepares for All-German Champions League final Posted: May 23, 2013
FOX Soccer News host Brendan Dunlop checks out the German fanfare in London.