Neymar has downplayed rumors that he would leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer by adamantly stating that he intends to remain in the French city.
Although there have been some flimsy rumors linking Neymar, the most expensive football player in the world, with a move to Manchester City during this transfer window, the player has all but confirmed that it is not going to happen. Pep Guardiola has also shot down the rumors.
Neymar has been at PSG for five years after making a world-record transfer from Barcelona to the Parisian club for around £200 million.
He has played 144 games and scored 100 goals in those five years, but following the Kylian Mbappe contract extension scenario, it appeared that he might not become so relevant at the club.
Mbappe signed a contract extension at the end of last season, which has reportedly handed the French international more say at the club. According to some rumors, Mbappe does not want Neymar at the club, which is why they are reportedly willing to Brazilian football icon for just £50 million.
However, given that Neymar has spoken out regarding his future, it appears that is no longer the case.
The 30-year-old has been linked to both Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks, with talk of a switch to the Premier League this summer rampant. However, Neymar has made it clear that he wants to stay in Paris for the upcoming season.
The forward commented following PSG’s 3-0 preseason victory over Urawa Red Diamonds saying: ‘I want to stay at PSG. I don’t know about the club, because they’ve never said anything to me.
‘I have a contract for several years here. There you go. For now, they’ve said nothing.’
Following the hiring of pragmatist Christophe Galtier as head coach, there is concern regarding Neymar’s position in the Parisian team because the former Lille manager normally prefers a two-man strike-force.
The forward’s insistence on staying in Paris, though, would suggest that, following a turbulent last campaign, he has been assured of playing time.
Due to injury troubles, the Brazilian, 30, had a minor role in PSG’s lineup last season and only made 22 Ligue 1 appearances.
After PSG’s shocking elimination from the Champions League against eventual champions Real Madrid last season, Neymar was also jeered by some of his own supporters.
The Brazilian, however, asserted that he would have nothing to prove in the upcoming campaign. “The truth is that I have nothing to prove to anyone, he declared. Those in power speak excessively because they have no other option”, Neymar noted.
“They know me, they know how I am, how I play. I have nothing to show. I love playing football, I’m happy.”
It appears that selling Neymar this summer will be a huge challenge for PSG even if a team has the financial resources to do so.
