Thiago Silva believes Neymar doesn’t need to be shielded from the media during the 2014 World Cup.
The Barcelona forward is currently out injured and has suffered a frustrating first season in Spain as controversy over his transfer from Santos to the Catalan club still looms large.
His captain for the national team, Silva, believes the 22-year-old is smart and can take care of himself.
The Paris-Saint Germain defender told ESPN Brazil: “I would not say we need to shield him from criticism.
“Shield is too strong a word. That makes him look dumb and stupid and Neymar is not that. He is smart, adored by everyone, speaks well and can take care of himself.”
During Brazil’s friendly against South Africa in March, Neymar decided to not speak to the press as he was coming off the field.
Silva believed that was a good ploy due to the constant questions about his transfer to Barcelona.
The Brazil captain continued: “At that time it was good because certain people were more interested in his personal life. We know it sucks getting asked about it from time to time.
“Rodrigo (Paiva, director of communications) and the rest of the staff did well to avoid such contact at that moment because everything would eventually be asked about Bruna (Marquezine) and Neymar’s move to Barcelona.”
