NEYMAR has defied PSG by playing in his own charity tournament – costing him a £337,000 “good behaviour” bonus for missing pre-season training.
PSG say the contract rebel, who sat out Brazil’s Copa America triumph last week with injury, had “not agreed” the dates off.
The striker has been busy supporting his charity Neymar Junior Project Institute – a week after missing the Copa AmericaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Brazil frontman Neymar has reportedly lost a bonus as he missed pre-season training for PSGCredit: AFP or licensors
Neymar holds the trophy at his charity Institute eventCredit: AFP or licensors
The £198million striker joined in five-a-side in Sao Paulo for his Neymar Junior Project Institute.
Yet just last month Brazil confirmed he would not be fit for the whole of America’s top international tournament after rupturing ankle ligaments in a friendly with Qatar.
That meant he was even absent from the host nation’s 3-1 victory over Peru in last Sunday’s final.
So the twists in Neymar’s dramatic summer continue amid his reported efforts to return to Barcelona.
But Neymar’s dad claims PSG knew his son would be away until July 16 helping his institute.
PSG’s sporting director Leonardo insisted, though, they were “not dates agreed with the club”.
Neymar Sr told Fox Sports Brazil: “The reason [for his absence] is known and was scheduled one year ago, with the annual schedule of his institute, and we couldn’t change it.
“His return will be on the 15th. It’s as simple as that… no controversy. And PSG are aware and are part of the institute’s actions.”
‘GIANT DOOR’
Neymar Sr also told RMC his son had commercial commitments PSG knew about last month.
He added: “The Neymar Institute organises these events every year and everybody know the dates. We scheduled this year’s dates on July 10.”
Neymar opened the centre five years ago – two blocks from where he grew up – describing it as “a giant door for us to give opportunities to the people here”.
The Institute gives disadvantaged children extra help with education and sport.
Barcelona, via their Foundation, are among its backers.
Neymar has said: “I enjoy helping the boys and girls in the neighbourhood where I grew up.
“I know that people have been waiting for this project for a long time.”
But when Neymar returns to Europe attention will focus on his fitness and future.
PSG will want him in top shape as soon as possible.
But they are ready to sell him back to Barca, where the latest speculation suggests the French giants want France centre-back Clement Lenglet in part exchange.
The Neymar Junior Project Institute was lit up by its founder at the tournament in Sao PauloCredit: AFP or licensors
Neymar listens to his dad – who has spoken out in his defence after PSG rebuked his sonCredit: AFP or licensors
Neymar is now likely to return to PSG next week as speculation mounts over a return to BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors