What We're Reading
Neymar's Father Explodes Over Botched Transfer
- Football Espana, Friday, May 24, 2013 1:10 PM
Neymar Senior, the father and agent of Brazilian soccer star Neymar, has hit out at Santos for ‘auctioning’ off his son’s services to
Europe’s top clubs. The Brazilian club is keen to sell Neymar this summer, or it risks losing him for nothing next season when his contract expires.
Earlier this week, Santos rejected a reported $28.5 million bid from Barcelona, as the club values its 55 percent share of the
21-year-old’s transfer fee at $35.5 million, according to reports in Spain. That move effectively suspended negotiations, as Barca immediately recalled director Raul Sanllehi, who had been sent to Brazil to
complete the move.
Afterward, a frustrated Neymar Sr exploded in front of reporters over the incident. “I think the story is over. Santos’ management committee will have to
decide. Yes or no, but this speculation must end,” he declared. “We do not know what is going on. There is talk of meetings at Santos, but why has it not been resolved yet? I will not let
the club hold an auction, I will not allow it. It is simple, from now on I will not answer the phone anymore. To no one, I am just not going to negotiate.”
He added: “They have
said that they will not sell the player, so life goes on. Now it will be a year before the player can leave, but in six months he can sign a pre-contract with any club. Santos should think about this,
but no one has spoken to us about it. Meanwhile, we do not have to position ourselves, we cannot and we will not.”
