According to Bartomeu, there is “no doubt that Neymar will spend the rest of his life at Barcelona“.
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Neymar’s current deal runs to 2018.
The South American World Cup qualifiers usually offer the chance to see global stars on home soil, but only a watered-down version begins Thursday: for different reasons, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez will not be with their national teams.
But they also come after a season in which Neymar banged in 43 goals for Barcelona, leading their successful charge towards a Champions League-La Liga-Copa Del Rey treble.
He continued: “We should not rush with Messi”.
“I’m certain that the predicted eight weeks of recovery will be met. I don’t believe one should ever force the recovery of a player”.
On a serious note, Barcelona’s developmental system has proven key this season after three starters on the first team, Rafinha, Andres Iniesta and Messi, were all sidelined because of injury.
“It’s part of the game”. What I must do is complete my work and the orders of the coach in the best way.
That leaves Chile’s Alexis Sanchez as one of the few top talents available and ready to light up their home clash with Brazil in Santiago, the opening round’s big match on Thursday.
The punishment was handed down after the club breached rules regarding the signings of underage players.
“Messi’s absence must be an incentive and not an excuse”, said his Barcelona team mate Javier Mascherano, who will most likely lead the side.
Spanish outlet AS state the judge of the case asked for the financial packages both sides presented to Neymar be put forward, with the same occurring for Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid and German giants Bayern Munich.
On paper, the likes of Sergio Aguero, who scored five goals in one match for Manchester City only last week, Carlos Tevez and the young Paulo Dybala keep Argentina as the favourites.
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“Nolito is a good player and he is proving that every Sunday”, Fernandez said.
