Share

Neymar not unsettled by Real speculation - Marquinhos

Madrid - Neymar has not been affected by the rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid, his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Marquinhos insisted ahead of the sides' Champions League showdown.

"I don't see him as being destabilised. He knows very well how to control his emotions. He handles the pressure and responds on the field," said Marquinhos of his fellow Brazilian at a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"He is a great person with a great entourage. We leave him to do his job on the field.

"He came to Paris to do great things and tomorrow's (Wednesday's) match is a chance for him."

Madrid left-back Marcelo had earlier done his bit to fuel the speculation, saying: "Madrid fans like good players. Any fan would like to have Neymar in their team."

That was after he gave an interview to Brazilian television saying that his international colleague would one day play for the Spanish giants.

Real had been interested in Neymar before he joined Barcelona in 2013, and he then moved to Paris last August after the French side activated his €222 million release clause to make him the world's most expensive player.

Neymar has since averaged a goal a game in a PSG shirt, including scoring six times in the group stage of the Champions League.

When asked by a Spanish journalist if he would rather have Cristiano Ronaldo in his team, PSG coach Unai Emery replied: "I am delighted to have Neymar."

Real and PSG meet at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the last 16 before the return at the Parc des Princes on March 6.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE