Neymar, You Only Want What You Can’t Have
Brazilian youngster Neymar refused a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, claiming that big European clubs did not interest him and he wished to stay at Santos. However, the teen sensation has now revealed that it is his dream to make a move to Chelsea.
Ancelotti, who did not spend big this summer, made a £25 million bid for the 18 year old during the summer transfer window, but the move didn’t go through. Brazilian legend Pele, Santos’ manager and even the Brazilian President were opposed to the move and
made their thoughts very public, which in the end resulted in Neymar claiming he was not interested.
Even at the time, his statements seemed very forced and not very convincing, but even then Neymar signed a new contract with Santos, which seemed to close of the Chelsea chapter. But now, the young striker has spoken out and said in a statement that it would
be “an honor” to move to Stamford Bridge. He said, “Everything they have to offer is attractive to me.”
“They have big players, they are in big competitions, they have a strong squad and I like the way they play. Top players want to be a part of something like that. I'm no different. But I'm happy at Santos. If I left, it wouldn't be because Santos isn't a
good place to be but only because the Premier League is a higher level. It wasn't the right time for me in the summer but I will be much better prepared by next year.” he added.
This confession suggests that Chelsea won’t have to wait too long to acquire the services of the Brazilian youngster. Not that Ancelotti’s side needs any strengthening; the “ageing” squad has proved that they are very much capable of repeating their success.
After only seven games, the Blues have a four point lead over the second place Manchester City.
Despite being attracted to the Premier League and the Blues growing success, another reason for wanting to move away from Santos could be the growing unrest in the Brazilian club. Dorival Junior, the Santos coach was fired in September after he refused to
recall Neymar, who was suspended, for a clash against Corinthians. The suspension was handed down after the player reacted angrily to not being allowed to take a penalty.
After the initial reaction, Neymar displayed his displeasure throughout the game. He turned his back on the penalty, which Marcel was made to take, and did not celebrate with the rest of team. He went as far as confronting Dorival on the bench and had to
be restrained. He later realized his mistake and apologized to the coach, but was punished for his indiscipline with a suspension.
He apparently also had a row with Edu Dracena, the team captain, which made Dorvial insistent on handing down a 15 days suspension, and even threatened to step down if his decision was not backed by the board. Dorvial was eventually sacked, but the Santos
President has received criticism for his decision. The Brazil coach Mano Menezes also spoke out on the issue as he left Neymar out for the upcoming friendly.
Menezes said, “We've lived troubled moments in the past, and we want to keep problems out of the national team at this point. We believe it's important to send this message out for everybody to have in mind the way we work. We want to leave clear the line
we have chosen to manage this group. Neymar is a brilliant player, and if he shows that on the field, he will have his chance and will return to the national team.”
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