Neymar’s popularity in
Paris has plummeted but his presence still attracts attention, TV viewers and money for Ligue 1 clubs
By Adam White and Eric Devin for Get French
Football News
Neymar’s absence from PSG’s first game of the season against Nîmes on Sunday was initially attributed to an injury. Speaking on Saturday, Thomas Tuchel said he was reluctant to risk his star player given that he had only just returned to training after missing the Copa América this summer. However, the full truth emerged later, when PSG sporting director Leonardo admitted there was more to the story than the player’s fitness. “Honestly, it’s not only his physical state,” said Leonardo resignedly. “We’ve had a discussion and, where things weren’t clear before, they’re more advanced now – even though I wouldn’t say there’s an agreement.”
Tuchel says he wants to keep the player. “I love Neymar. I want to continue playing with him, but the reality is that we have to find solutions without Ney. If we lose Neymar, maybe I will not sleep. It’s not possible to lose Ney and find a guy who does the same things as him. I’m trying to convince him to stay but, on the other hand, it’s a personal choice. It’s between him and the club.”