Neymar is once again the center of attention in Brazil. His performance against Juventud (three goals in a 3-0 win that left Santos on the brink of salvation) put him in the spotlight again in the media. The striker reached his 150th goal in a Peixe shirt and left the field to applause from the opposing fans. This is in complete contrast to the noise surrounding his immediate future.
This question comes up again every time he appears in front of the microphone, and this time was no exception. With survival virtually on the line with just one game remaining, the former Barcelona and PSG player was asked to give a clear answer on what he would do once the championship was over, but he once again dodged the question.
Neymar’s hat-trick lifts Santos out of the relegation zone
A story without a clear answer
“Will next week’s game be the last against Santos?” he was asked from the mixed zone.
“I don’t know, I honestly don’t know. I want to focus on finishing the season first and then we’ll see,” he said without opening or closing the door.
Journalism’s claims did not take away his discretion. Instead of eliminating doubts, he left only a phrase that perpetuates the conspiracy: “Santos will always be my first choice.” These words were filled with nostalgia, but at the same time they were insufficient to know his fate.
More decisive than ever on the pitch, Neymar appears to be relishing a different role off the pitch: that of a master of suspense. His future, like his dribbling, remains unpredictable.
