Neymar reportedly turned up drunk to some Paris Saint-Germain training sessions and lost Kylian Mbappe’s respect during his turbulent spell in France.
♦ Neymar turned up ‘drunk’ to PSG training
♦ Reportedly argued with team-mates
♦ ‘Lost respect’ of Mbappe at French side
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to L’Equipe, the French publication spoke to former PSG players and staff members, who claimed the Brazilian international ‘sometimes showed up drunk’ to training towards the end of his six-year stint at the Ligue 1 giants. The report alleges Neymar was involved in a training ground bust-up between Lionel Messi, Achraf Hakimi and Sergio Ramos during Christophe Galtier’s time as manager; that he lashed out at youth player Ismael Gharbi, and his once good relationship with Mbappe eventually deteriorated.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar would leave PSG, after widespread calls from fans for him to move on from the club, for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal on a two-year deal for a fee in the region of €90 million (£77m/$96m); arguably signalling the decline of the former Barcelona star’s career. Soon after his move, the 32-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Brazil last October and he has not played since.
DID YOU KNOW?
Neymar, who played just five times for Al-Hilal before getting injured earlier this season, scored 118 goals in 173 matches for PSG, replicating the form he showed for Barca, where he found the net on 105 occasions in 186 appearances.
WHAT NEXT?
Neymar, who flew in to see Al-Hilal thrash Al-Ittihad 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup earlier this week, is continuing his comeback from injury but won’t be fit until next season.