Neymar Jr. recently came under fire after posting a photo on Instagram of him playing beach volleyball with his son and several friends in Brazil.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar recently left his home in Paris due to the coronavirus pandemic and traveled to Brazil where he was expected to self-quarantine for a number of days to avoid potentially spreading the virus if he was infected.
After seeing the photo, critics claimed that Neymar was violating self-isolation protocols by being in close proximity to others so soon after arriving in his home country.
Eventually, Neymar’s communications manager was forced to issue a statement (via Goal) that explained that everyone in the photo is also in quarantine with Neymar and that they are at his private residence where no guests are being allowed in.
Journalist Isabela Pagliari, who covers Neymar for Europe 1, further defended her compatriot and claimed that he is working hard to stay in shape until football returns (via Canal Supporters).
“The problem is that people don’t even imagine [the photo] is at Neymar’s. He as a large vacation home in Rio de Janeiro, in Mangaratiba.”
“He took advantage of this time to stay confined with the closest people, but it’s not a party! Neymar trains at least twice a day and there are even days where he does three sessions.”
Pagliari then took a shot at her colleagues in the press who made ridiculous accusations about Neymar.
“I even saw in the European press that some people believed [Neymar] was at the beach, but he’s at home! Neymar knows the terrible situation that everyone is going through. He knows he has to be precise in his communication as he can be targeted by people. He is careful, I think.”
Finally, the Brazilian journalist addressed the comments made by Roberto Carlos who said that Neymar should sign for Real Madrid if he wanted to win the UEFA Champions League.
“Roberto Carlos wanted him to sign at Real Madrid? Yes, he said that. Many people said that Neymar is not happy at PSG, but ultimately, we know that it is going very well.”
Things are going very well, indeed. Neymar’s two goals against Borussia Dortmund over two legs helped PSG advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2016. Through 22 appearances this season, Neymar has scored 18 goals and recorded 10 assists.
Now, we just have to hope the season resumes so we can see how far Neymar can lead PSG.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
