Marseille"s Lucas Mendes has defended controversial team-mate Joey Barton"s Twitter rant at Santos star Neymar.
Barton launched an astonishing rant on social networking site, Twitter, describing Neymar as ‘cat piss" and ‘football"s version of Justin Bieber" during Brazil"s 1-1 draw with Russia.
Mendes has insisted people should not judge the controversial QPR loanee, revealing that the pair have become close during his spell in France.
“I first tried to know the person and not to draw conclusions from what I have read," Lucas told O"Globo.
“We are trying to discuss, play a little, but there is a language barrier. We arrived at the club at the same time we tried to help each other.
“It is clear that we do not take all the reactions and attitudes he may have, but so far he is very liked by the group. The group loves [him].
“Sometimes he is a bit harsh in training, and he doesn"t like it if we complain. But it is how he is and it is not so bad. He never wants to lose, sometimes he goes crazy."
Source: Goal.com
