During the press conference preceding the match against Guinea, Marquinhos was asked about Neymar’s future at PSG. While remaining noncommittal, the defender claimed he cannot know what will happen but sincerely hopes the number 10 will remain with the French club.
For him, Neymar is much more than an exceptional talent, he is also a great friend. Marquinhos also expressed Neymar’s disappointment with the protests from fans at the end of the PSG season.
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He pointed out that any player would have been affected by such a situation and would have reacted the same way. Nonetheless, Marquinhos praised Neymar’s mental toughness and determination to leave his mark, while flaunting impressive stats. The defender then addressed the issue of Neymar’s recovery.
“Any player would be upset (protests at home). If it had happen with me, I would have been the same. He’s a very strong guy mentally, for everything he’s been through in his life. He’s still walking the path, making a name for himself and having the statistics he has. Things happen and he always keeps working and coming back even stronger. He has this desire to show more and more. He always gives everything he can still deliver and give to football. Today he is focused in football, quietly trying to come back. Afterwards, I don’t know what will become of his life either. In the market, we know that there is a lot of talk, on both sides, and since I’m far away, I prefer to be careful when talking about whether to stay or not. It also fits much choice and privacy for each one. As a partner, friend, being selfish, I want him to stay with me at PSG, because he is a great player and friend.”
Neymar motivated to get back to his best after injury
During that same press conference, he said Neymar was keen to return to competition at his best after his injury. He persists in coming back stronger, aware of his abilities and eager to show even more on the pitch. Currently, Neymar is fully focused on his recovery and striving to get back to his peak form.