Neymar absent for Brazil due to Enrique’s arguments
Brazil captain Neymar wanted to play both the Olympic Games and the Copa America this summer. But the Brazilian football federation (CBF) accepted he could not do both. The decision came after hearing “strong arguments” from Barcelona coach Luis Enrique.
Neymar absent for Brazil due to Enrique’s arguments
As Brazil’s skipper and star player, there had been hopes that Neymar could feature at the Copa America Centenario in the USA. It was to be played through the month of June. He could also play in the Olympic football tournament in Rio de Janeiro being played between Aug. 3-20.
The CBF had initially said it would “do everything possible” to have the popular player with the national team in both USA and Rio. however Barcelona had felt it would be necessary the 24 year old some rest. Because he is needed to be fit during this summer. He can prepare with his clubmates for the start of the 2016-17 La Liga sason.
It was eventually decided that Neymar would sit out the Copa America but play the Olympics. Former Brazil goalkeeper Gilmar told Radio Barcelona show Que t’hi jugues that the arguments fought by Luis Enrique during a meeting in mid-April had won the day.
“Neymar wanted to play for us, but when things were put clearly to him he understood that we had to make a joint decision,” Rinaldi said.
“We decided the best between Barcelona, CBF and the player. You must do the best for the players. We really wanted to have him with us, but the arguments which Luis Enrique gave us were very strong and we understood.
“[Neymar] is a crack, a very intelligent person. He always wants to play, but [some rest] was good for him, and for his club Barcelona. We must respect that.”
