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"People misunderstand Neymar - he is a winner!" | Philippe Auclair

As Paris St Germain's welcome for Neymar wears ever thinner, Philippe Auclair nevertheless believ...



Soccer

"People misunderstand Neymar - he is a winner!" | Philippe Auclair

As Paris St Germain's welcome for Neymar wears ever thinner, Philippe Auclair nevertheless believes that the Brazilian will persevere and show his quality on the pitch. 

In light of his well-publicised effort to engineer a return to Barcelona in the summer, it should come as no great surprise that fans of PSG have as yet to forgive Neymar for his transgressions.

The subject of loud booing and a target for projectiles launched from the stands, the Brazilian, as discussed in an interview with L'Equipe, has already come to accept that every game will be an away game for him for the time being.

Nevertheless, as journalist Philippe Auclair explained to Off the Ball, Neymar's mentality and drive are likely to pull him through.

"No, that is not the style of the player at all," he said of the prospect that Neymar would down tools amid the difficult circumstances.

"I think many people misunderstand that. This player, despite the way he plays and behaves on the pitch - and off the pitch - is somebody who is a genuine winner.

"He has always been like that."

In a squad full of star-studded attacking options, Neymar's intention to leave PSG has as yet proved ineffectual.

Although domestic success is sure to come once again for the wealthy Parisien club, Auclair believes that the challenge of continental glory will channel Neymar's energy; irrespective of his dissatisfaction.

"He wants to have a great time," surmised Auclair, "and he wants the joy of being a footballer.

"He is not a happy player [now], but as I said he is a winner."

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