Neymar has been defended by his father after the Paris Saint-Germain star claimed Barcelona s 6-1 Champions League win over his current employers was a career highlight.
PSG forward Neymar caused controversy when he failed to report in the French capital for pre-season training, with the club stating they would take appropriate action , although the player s camp insisted it had been agreed he would not return until July 15.
The club s sporting director Leonardo later confirmed Neymar wished to leave PSG, though he stressed a move would only be sanctioned if a suitable offer was made, with Barca seemingly favourites to land their former forward despite the €120million arrival of Antoine Griezmann.
And Neymar who is due to return to PSG on Monday risked causing further anger when he declared Barca s magnificent comeback victory at Camp Nou in 2016-17 as one of his best memories from a professional dressing room.
However, Neymar s father has come to his son s defence, insisting the 27-year-old has not disrespected PSG with remarks that are similar to some he made two years ago.