Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo once again came to the defense of Neymar against the recent criticism regarding his lifestyle.
Neymar is currently out of action due to an adductor injury. Since he suffered the injury during the Coupe de France fixture against Caen, many have speculated as to why the Brazilian is prone to injuries. Some have pointed to the Brazilian’s lifestyle as one possible cause for why he continues to suffer injuries year after year at PSG.
Last month, Leonardo downplayed such criticism on this matter and brushed it aside as mere gossip.
“It bothers me a bit,” Leonardo told France Blue Paris in February. “I’ve heard everything; he got injured. There are a lot of players that are injured, not only at PSG but also in other clubs.
“There have been comments on his lifestyle, all that. Honestly, it’s been a year since people can go out. If he got hurt because of the hygiene of his life, then what is he doing at home?”
Leonardo once again doubled down on his defense of Neymar and the criticism that he has garnered over this matter. This time around, he slammed Neymar’s critics during his talk with RMC Sport.
“Neymar and I talked a lot,” Leonardo said. “I have always been clear, and he has always been clear. We have nothing to reproach Neymar on his commitment and his behavior. Everything is interpreted with him. Perhaps it is the misunderstanding of the past.
“Everyone suffers injuries, we can not confuse everything, he’s a great player, that’s indisputable.
“I ask for respect for Neymar. When I had to talk to him, I did. When I have to defend him, I do it too.”
PSG was able to advance on through to the Champions League quarterfinals without Neymar as the side defeated Barcelona in the round of 16 by a 5-2 aggregate final. The Champions League quarterfinals are slated to begin next month following the upcoming international break. By then, the expectation is that the Brazilian will be fully fit to return to the pitch.
Neymar currently sits at six goals scored in this season’s Champions League competition.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
