Last summer, when Neymar Jr. was reportedly orchestrating a failed attempt out of Paris Saint-Germain and with sights on a return to FC Barcelona, it was hard to imagine that the 28-year-old would become a leader of a club that he wanted to leave.
Nonetheless, this season, the Brazil international is taking a leadership role, especially when the calendar turned to 2020, which is one of the behaviors that L’Equipe (via Paris Fans) is highlighting in their article.
Against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, it was the first time that Neymar participated in both fixtures. Before the two legs against the German club, the 28-year-old took the lead and invited players to his home for a barbeque gathering. Then after defeating Dortmund, he once again invited everyone to his house.
The French media outlet wrote the attitude is noticeably different, a happier Neymar, one who isn’t talking about leaving.
“The Brazilian seems more fulfilled than ever since his arrival at PSG. He mourned his desires to return to Barça, lucid about the economic situation of the Catalan club,” L’Equipe wrote. “At 28, he realizes he has no more time to waste and has resolved to take advantage of what he has in Paris. Namely a group that he appreciates and among which he is appreciated and respected.”
Despite Neymar keeping the mood light among the group, he takes the training sessions seriously considering he’s coming off a four-month layoff due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Like his partners, he is not at 100% and still suffers from a deficit of rhythm after the four months without competition,” L’Equipe wrote. “This does not prevent him from displaying satisfactory dispositions, a consequence of his daily physical work during confinement. Since the resumption, on June 22, Neymar has made an impression in training. At times, he was even unleashed, multiplying the sequences of dribbling, the gestures of high class. As if to set an example.”
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