'To go to Real Madrid would end Neymar's image' - Neymar Sr.

Florentino Perez has spent years filtering doubts to his journalists about Neymar's real level of commitment ro Barcelona, suggesting that when he so desires, he could convert the Brazilian into the new Luis Figo. And the idea that Ney is only interested in financial matters has left its mark on some sections of the Spanish press. 

Now, Neymar's father, who is the only person in charge of the 24-year-old star's sporting career, in an intervention a few days ago at the Brazilian National Congress, has made it clear to Perez and to Madridismo that "to go to Real Madrid would end Neymar's image." He said it at the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on the current state of Brazilian football, televised live throughout the country.

Neymar will not move from Barcelona. His contract renewal is ready and it will be strategically announced by the club in the coming weeks. The Brazilian will extend his contract because he is happy and he feels valued in the Catalan capital; because he identifies with the system implanted by Johan Cruyff; because he knows that being in a trident with Suarez and Messi is unrepeatable, and because he wants to continue making history dressed in blaugrana. 

And that last detail is not a minor one. Neymar is considered the most important Santos player of the post-Pele era and he also wants to be remembered as one of the best at Barcelona, as has been achieved by the friend he admires so much, Lionel Messi. 

Neymar's father himself made it clear in his parliamentary appearance when he compared the "no" given to Corinthians many years ago, who are Santos' eternal rivals, with the perpetual "no" given to Madrid. "Neymar could never go to Corinthians because it would end his career, for the fact that his image was built at Santos and with the titles he won with the club. It's the same now if he went to Real Madrid..." explained the crack's father in a conversation with the ex-president of Timao, Andres Sanchez.