Neymar: "I don't need to leave now"

Neymar has stated that he doesn't need to leave Santos for European football, days after signing a new deal with the Brazilian club.

"I know I am making history by staying at Santos, but I hope I can do much more. And it is not by chance, I love this club. I love playing in Brazil," he told Globoesporte.

The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to a host of top European clubs, most notably La Liga's elite of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"I do not know anything about those offers, because my father [and agent] would not lend that information to me. But it does not matter.

"I have always said I wanted to stay and that I'm happy at Santos. I dream of playing in Europe, but I am only 19, I don't need to leave now."

The forward has already made 15 appearance at senior level for Brazil, scoring eight goals.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre