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Tag: Neymar

  • Neymar leads Brazil squad into controversial Copa America

    Neymar leads Brazil squad into controversial Copa America

    Brazil coach Tite confirmed his squad for the Copa America with Paris Saint-Germain star, Neymar, leading the group before the country’s highest court, on Thursday ruled over whether the controversial relocation of the tournament can take place.

    Argentina and Colombia were meant to co-host the event but were removed for Coronavirus reasons and political instability with Brazil stepping in at short notice.

    But Brazil had also an extremely difficult pandemic and its socialist party and a metal workers’ group was going to court to argue that it should not hold the Copa after all.

    The players were also uncertain but eventually ruled out a boycott meaning Neymar and company could open the tournament in Brasilia on Sunday against Venezuela.

    Chelsea defender Thiago Silva as recovered from injury to replace Rodrigo Caio of Flamengo in the squad.

    The Copa was to take place without fans in stadium, just like the ongoing Copa Libertadores, the South American club championship.

  • Ryan Giggs to stand trial in January

    Ryan Giggs to stand trial in January

    Wales boss and ex-Manchester United player Ryan Giggs will go on trial in January accused of headbutting his ex-girlfriend and controlling her.

    Mr Giggs, 47, allegedly assaulted Kate Greville, 36, and caused her actual bodily harm at his home in Greater Manchester on 1 November last year.

    He is also accused of controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.

    He will face trial at Manchester Crown Court on 24 January.

    Mr Giggs appeared at the court on Friday during a short hearing where he confirmed his identity and the date was set. He was told the trial could last three weeks.

    He will also attend a plea and trial preparation hearing on 23 July.

    The court was told that the crown was yet to “particularise the indictment” in relation to the accusation of controlling and coercive behaviour.

    Mr Giggs, who is accused of using violence, isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation and abuse, previously issued a statement saying he would “look forward to clearing my name”.

    He has also been charged with common assault by beating of Ms Greville’s younger sister, Emma Greville, in the alleged same incident, which he also denies.

    His honour judge Nicholas Dean QC, honorary recorder of Manchester, said there were three weeks available for the trial but added: “I very much hope that this case will not last that amount of time, but that’ll be discussed further on the next occasion this case is listed.”

    Mr Giggs was bailed until his court appearance in July.

    The Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced caretaker boss Robert Page will manage the country at this summer’s European Championship finals.

    BBC

  • PSG star Neymar denies sex assault claim

    PSG star Neymar denies sex assault claim

    US sportswear giant Nike says it stopped working with Brazilian footballer Neymar because he “refused to co-operate in a good faith investigation” into an allegation of sexual assault against an employee.

    The alleged incident happened in 2016 and was reported to Nike in 2018.

    Nike said its investigation was inconclusive.

    A spokeswoman for Neymar said he denied the sexual assault and split with Nike last year for commercial reasons.

    “Neymar Jr will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far,” she told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper, which first reported the news.

    Nike parted ways with Neymar in August 2020, ending one of its most high-profile sponsorship deals. The company gave no reason for the split at the time.

    In its statement on Thursday, it said: “It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts.”

    But it added: “Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to co-operate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee.”

    Nike said the employee reported the allegations in 2018 but initially wanted to avoid an investigation and keep it confidential. It said it commissioned an independent investigation into the matter the following year, when she expressed an interest in pursuing it.

    The alleged victim has not been named, with Nike saying: “We continue to respect the confidentiality of the employee and also recognise that this has been a long and difficult experience for her.”

    Neymar currently plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain.

    He previously denied accusations of rape in 2019, in a case that was eventually dropped.

  • Neymar, Mbappe help PSG take title race to final day

    Neymar, Mbappe help PSG take title race to final day

    Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were on target as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) kept alive their hopes of retaining the Ligue 1 title with a 4-0 victory over Reims on Sunday.

    Mauricio Pochettino’s side will go into next weekend’s final round of the season against Brest one point behind leaders Lille, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Saint-Etienne.

    PSG will only get their hands on the title if they better the result Lille get against Angers next weekend, needing Christophe Galtier’s team to slip up.

    Neymar opened the scoring early on with a penalty kick after Yunis Abdelhamid had been dismissed for handling an Mbappe shot.

    World Cup winner Mbappe, Marquinhos and Moise Kean then wrapped up the most routine of victories.

    Any hopes Reims had of securing back-to-back wins at the Parc des Princes were all but extinguished in the 13th minute.

    Abdelhamid received his marching orders for handling Mbappe’s goalbound effort, with Neymar non-challantly slotting home his ninth league goal of the campaign from the resulting penalty kick.

    Mbappe was not to be denied 11 minutes later, sliding home from close range after Thomas Foket had inexplicably rolled the ball across the face of his own goal.

    France international Mbappe then fired wide after being played in by a sumptuous Neymar flick as PSG failed to add the third goal their dominance deserved before the interval.

    Mbappe went close on a number of occasions at the start of the second period, while Neymar saw an effort ruled out for offside after Ander Herrera had struck the post from distance.

    Neymar turned provider for PSG’s third after 68 minutes, his corner-kick from the left headed past Predrag Rajkovic by Marquinhos from six yards.

    Substitute Kean fired into the bottom-right corner from 15 yards a minute from full-time as PSG inflicted a first defeat in six away games on Reims.

  • Not time to discuss Neymar, Mbappe futures – PSG chief

    Not time to discuss Neymar, Mbappe futures – PSG chief

    PSG football chief Leonardo says it’s too soon to consider the futures of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

    Leonardo was pushed about the pair after their Champions League semifinal defeat to Manchester City,

    Leonardo insisted: “Honestly, now is not the time to decide or announce anything.

    “We must be proud of what we have done. Our goal is to win.

    “We got out of very difficult situations during the competition. I am optimistic for the future.”

  • Neymar wants to be PSG’s “first warrior” in Man City battle

    Neymar wants to be PSG’s “first warrior” in Man City battle

    Neymar has issued a rallying call to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ahead of their 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown with Manchester City.

    The Brazilian claimed he was ready to “die on the pitch”.

    PSG slipped to a 2-1 defeat in last week’s first leg at Parc des Princes, with Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez overturning Marquinhos’ first-half opener.

    An impressive opening to the contest from Mauricio Pochettino’s men subsided, with Manchester City exerting almost complete control on proceedings after the interval.

    Neymar cut an increasingly isolated figure, while attacking partner Kylian Mbappe failed to attempt a single shot after starting a match for the first time in his Champions League career.

    The world’s most expensive player is aware of the tall task that awaits at the Etihad Stadium.

    But he has not given up hope of last season’s beaten finalists returning to the showpiece.

    “We have a very difficult match against Manchester City, but we have to believe, no matter what the stats or our percentage chance of winning is,” Neymar told PSG’s in-house channel.

    “I think that every Parisian has to believe in us. I’ll be the first to do so.

    “I’m on the front line and I’ll be the first warrior to go into battle for the team.

    “I’m going to give the best of myself and I’ll do everything I can to qualify, whatever happens.”

    With a chuckle, he added: “Even if I have to die on the pitch.”

    The stats Neymar alludes to certainly do not make for comfortable reading for those of a PSG persuasion.

    There have been 47 previous instances of English clubs winning the first leg of Champions League or European Cup tie away from home.

    On each occasion, they have progressed.

    Manchester City have won each of their past six UEFA Champions League matches and have 10 out of 11 victories this season.

    A goalless draw at FC Porto was the only blemish.

    A seventh win would edge Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of Manchester United (1965 and 1966), Leeds United (1969 and 1970) and Arsenal (2005).

    It will make them the outright English record-holders for the longest winning run in Europe’s premier club tournament.

    PSG have played Manchester City four times in European competitions and are yet to beat the Manchester side

  • Barca approach PSG for Neymar transfer talks

    Barca approach PSG for Neymar transfer talks

    La Liga giant Barcelona have approached Paris Saint-Germain about talks over Neymar.

    RAC1 reports Barcelona continue to dream of bringing Neymar back to the Camp Nou to play alongside Lionel Messi and have reached out to Paris Saint-Germain to test the waters.

    The Brazilian hasn’t hidden his desire to play with Messi again and Joan Laporta would love to make it happen this summer.

    The Parisian club have informed Barcelona that he is not for sale.

    PSG are in fact trying to extend Neymar’s current deal, which expires in summer 2022, but the Blaugrana are not giving up hope, especially if no deal is reached betweent the player and his current club.

  • Ligue 1: Neymar leads PSG to significant win over Lens

    Ligue 1: Neymar leads PSG to significant win over Lens

    Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) moved provisionally back to the top of the French Ligue 1 on Saturday, thanks to a battling 2-1 win over Lens at the Parc des Princes.

    Neymar scored the opener and crossed for Marquinhos to head in the champions’ second.

    It was a good response to their 2-1 home loss to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League this week.

    With Kylian Mbappe missing through injury and Marco Verratti, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera starting on the bench, PSG were made to work hard.

    But it was a result which lifted them back above Lille at the summit, at the very least for a few hours.

    Ignatius Ganago pulled a goal back for European hopefuls Lens, but Mauricio Pochettino’s men held firm for a morale-boosting win.

    This has come ahead of their second-leg clash with Manchester City in England on Tuesday.

    PSG, who lost right-back Colin Dagba to injury before the 20-minute mark, had few early chances in spite of their dominance.

    But Danilo Pereira tested Wuilker Farinez with a powerful header that was well saved by the Lens goalkeeper.

    Lens had done well to keep Neymar quiet but gifted him the opener 32 minutes in.

    The Brazil star slotted home confidently after Julian Draxler had pinched possession from Facundo Medina on the edge of the penalty box.

    Pablo Sarabia should have scored a second after Neymar’s header from a fine Marquinhos pass, but Farinez produced a superb one-handed stop.

    Also, Lens could have snatched an equaliser before half-time had Jonathan Clauss and Clement Michelin shown more composure inside the penalty box.

    Lens began the second half well but PSG doubled their lead just before the hour mark, Marquinhos rising unchallenged to head in Neymar’s corner-kick from the right.

    However, the visitors halved the deficit barely two minutes later, with Ganago hooking the ball through Navas’ legs after Arnaud Kalimuendo sliced an attempted overhead kick.

    Neymar curled a free-kick off the right post, seemingly via the fingertips of Farinez, and Mauro Icardi saw a goal disallowed for a Marco Verratti offside.

    But Lens could not capitalise on those moments of fortune.

  • I hope Neymar, Mbappe continue with us – PSG midfielder

    I hope Neymar, Mbappe continue with us – PSG midfielder

    Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ander Herrera is confident attacking stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar want to stay.

    Ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City, Mbappe continues to be linked with Real Madrid, while Neymar is being mentioned in a return to Barcelona.

    Herrera told Marca: “Can PSG afford to lose Neymar and Mbappé? I want to focus on enjoying each day with them and getting all the important things done.

    “Of course, I would like them to continue with us.

    “PSG have created a structure around them. I sincerely think that they are happy, convinced by the project and that they want to stay.”

  • Neymar makes positive noises over new contract with PSG

    Neymar makes positive noises over new contract with PSG

    Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) Brazilian icon Neymar has made encouraging noises over signing a new long-term contract with the French giants. The cash-rich Parisians are looking to finally break their duck in the UEFA Champions League after knocking out last season’s winners Bayern Munich in their recent quarter-final to reach the last four. Negotiating a new deal with Neymar could be the cherry on top for boss Mauricio Pochettino.

    PSG went into their Champions League quarter final second leg 3-2 up on Bayern. The German champions won the second leg 1-0, but PSG secured their passage to the semis 3-3 on aggregate via the away goal rule. Neymar insisted in his post-match interview that extending his stay in Paris was “no longer an issue” as the club aims to lengthen his deal beyond the summer of 2022.

    Neymar told ESPN Brazil reporters that he still felt “very comfortable” in the French capital and “happier than [he] was before”. These positive comments come fresh off the back of quotes from PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who sees no reason for Neymar or Kylian Mbappe to consider moving to pastures new. Al-Khelaifi insisted that the team “really [has] everything to win all the [major] tournaments”. Al-Khelaifi could not hide the fact that the team’s Qatari owners had “invested a lot in the club” with the primary goal of winning the club’s first UEFA Champions League trophy.

    Will PSG’s pursuit of European glory hamper their Ligue 1 chances?

    With the club’s owners making no secret of their desire to win the Champions League this season, it’s unsurprising that PSG may have taken their eyes off the ball domestically somewhat. After 32 games, PSG are not leading the way at the top of Ligue 1. A recent 1-0 loss to title rivals Lille has seen them open up a three-point gap at the summit. Even third-placed Monaco are only a point behind PSG and fourth-placed Lyon are just two points behind Pochettino’s side. Despite not even leading the way in Ligue 1 with six games remaining, the sportsbooks are still anticipating PSG to get their act together and clinch a tenth Ligue 1 title. Licensed US sports betting operator FOX Bet has still priced Les Rouge et Bleu at -154 to become champions once more.

    Question marks linger over the future of Mbappe as well as Neymar

    Although Neymar has becoming increasingly bullish about the likelihood of the Brazilian extending his time with PSG, French striker Kylian Mbappe has been rather more non-committal. Like Neymar, Mbappe’s current contract with PSG expires next summer and the club will be loathed to allow him to leave on a free transfer at the end of next season.

    Reports continue to link Mbappe with a switch to Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid. Sources close to Mbappe have noted that it’s been his boyhood ambition to don the Real jersey and Los Blancos are planning to make him their number-one summer transfer target as they seek to refresh their forward line. Real president Florentino Perez is in the market for a new ‘Galactico’ having been recently re-elected at the Bernabeu. PSG are said to have made three separate contract offers to Mbappe in recent months, but the World Cup winner has rejected all three approaches, despite refusing to rule out remaining at the Parc des Princes.

    There are some suggestions that Mbappe will opt to remain at PSG if Neymar does. Mbappe is still just 22 years-old, with another 15 years at the top of the game ahead of him. His advisors may consider recommending him to stay with PSG for another contract cycle before making the switch to the Bernabeu as he approaches his prime.

    Were Neymar to consider leaving this summer, PSG could use their additional wage budget to entice Lionel Messi for a final project in European football. The legendary Argentine’s future remains up in the air at Barcelona, with Manchester City also said to be in hot pursuit of his services with an eye-watering eight-year contract said to be on the table. Either way, PSG’s Qatar Sports Investments owners will not want their squad to be weakened in the close season.