Barcelona players on Friday said they have begged Neymar to resist the temptation of moving to Paris Saint-Germain after a training ground altercation with new signing Nelsen Semedo.
The French giants are reportedly ready to launch a record-breaking US$256 million move for Neymar, sparking exit fears as the Spanish club prepared for their **El Clasico** friendly against Real Madrid in Miami yesterday.
The 25 year-old Brazilian departed the practice pitch after the incident and has yet to commit his future to Barcelona ahead of the transfer deadline, still more than a month away.
Photo: AFP
“It’s true, something did happen, but that’s sometimes what happens in training,” Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta said. “All the talk about Neymar right now, everything is magnified. Things like this can happen. It’s a personal decision for him, but of course we want him to stay.”
Strike partner Luis Suarez has formed a deadly partnership with Neymar and echoed Iniesta’s calls for the interest from PSG to be dismissed once and for all.
“As soon as he clarifies the situation it’s better for us and him,” Suarez said. “He will have his say when he is ready and as a teammate I will support him.”
“Our relationship won’t change,” he said. “We want him to stay.”
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde did not speak to the media on the eve of the match with archrivals Real, but Iniesta sang Neymar’s praises.
“For me, he’s one of the best players in the world,” Iniesta said. “He brings so much to the team and hopefully he will stay for many years.”
“He is worth more than [US]$200 million or [US]$300 million,” he said. “His playing style suits us and he can only improve with us.”
Neymar attended an event at a Nike shop in Miami on Friday to celebrate the release of his new boots.
However, the superstar striker refused to talk about the speculation and just posed for photographs with fans a day after the training spat at Miami’s Barry University training complex.
Barca are to return to Spain after the clash at the home stadium of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, while Neymar is to travel to China on business for the La Liga giants.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely