It didn't take long for Neymar to issue a reply regarding his alleged AWOL status at PSG, and if the player's entourage meant to see things escalate, they surely pulled it off.
Earlier today, PSG issued a press release revealing that Neymar had not complied with the team's set date to go back to work, pinning the blame on the footballer and hinting that his behaviour would not go unpunished. Hours later, Neymar's father hit back at the club and tried to excuse his son for not being at PSG's training complex today.
Neymar's father went on to reveal his son's alleged date back to work, while trying to pin the blame on PSG for their lack of empathy.
"We are angered by this decision. PSG new all about our date back to training. We have commercial and institutional commitments. The Neymar Institute demanded my son's presence, just like it has been for the past five years. Even president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a role in some of them. I don't see why they are so mad, this was completely arbitrary on their behalf," Neymar Sr. said in an interview with Fox Sports Brazil.
According to Neymar's father, the footballer was set to return to PSG's training complex next week.
It is understood that Neymar's desire to leave the club is known not only by his inner circle, but also by his fellow team-mates in the Brazilian national team. In fact, a report by UOL Esporte reveals that Neymar has already told PSG's newly-appointed Sports Director Leonardo and Al-Khelaifi about his desire to leave the French capital.
UOL Esporte's article states that Neymar had a conference call with Leonardo, where the latter tried to convince Neymar to stay. The player's stance did not change, and president Al-Khelaifi was reportedly made aware of this information.
Neymar seems to be seeking a way back to Barcelona, but as things stand, it seems highly unlikely to see that happening.
