Neymar Goes AWOL Refuses To Return For PSG Pre-season Training Amidst Barcelona Links

Neymar appears set for punishment from Paris Saint-Germain after going AWOL from training – but his father claims the club knew he wouldn’t be there.

The forward, who continues to be linked with a return to Barcelona, was in Brazil over the weekend to see his national team-mates win the Copa America. Ligue 1 giants PSG have vowed to take action against the star as other first-team players met up back in Paris.

In a statement on their website, the French club said they “deplore the situation” and will take “appropriate measures” against the 27-year-old.

It read: “Neymar was summoned for the resumption of activities of the [first-team] of Paris Saint-Germain. PSG have found that the player, Neymar, did not show up at the agreed time and place, without having been authorised by the club in advance. PSG deplores this situation and will take the appropriate measures resulting from it.”

However, in an interview with Fox Sports Brazil, Neymar’s father and agent, Neymar Sr, claimed the club knew the forward wouldn’t be back until July 16 because of a prior engagement with his charitable foundation.

Neymar Sr said: “The reason is known, scheduled a year ago with the annual schedule of Instituto Projeto Neymar. We could not change, and the presentation will be on the 15th. It is that simple… no controversy, and PSG [was] informed.”

Over the weekend, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed that Neymar wanted to leave the Parc des Princes. He said: “We know that Neymar wants to leave PSG, but PSG don’t want Neymar to leave, so there is no story,” he said. “I know he wants to leave PSG because I’ve read it in the press.”

Photo Credit: Getty

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