Neymar: I still call Thiago Silva captain

Neymar has once again tried to play down the reported rift with Thiago Silva ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Austria. The Paris Saint-Germain defender was stripped of captaincy by coach Dunga in favour of Neymar after the World Cup and the ex-skipper revealed that he was far from happy about the decision late last week. […]
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sambafoot_admin
2014-11-18 19:24:00

Neymar has once again tried to play down the reported rift with Thiago Silva ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Austria.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender was stripped of captaincy by coach Dunga in favour of Neymar after the World Cup and the ex-skipper revealed that he was far from happy about the decision late last week.

Neymar claimed on Monday that there was no issue between the players and that the situation had been exaggerated by the media, and the Barcelona superstar reiterated his stance ahead of the Austria game.

He told reporters: ‘I was surprised by Thiago’s presser. I told him we should be careful in what we say in front of press cause they’ll take advantage. Thiago called me for a conversation, but it didn’t shake our friendship at all. We clarified things, we’ll always be friends.

‘I didn’t tell Thiago when I became captain? There’s noway I tell him that I’m his captain. Today, I still call Thiago captain. I never asked to be captain, but if I was handed this task, then I won’t say no. I will affirm my responsibility in the best way.

‘I’ve been captain at Santos for a long time and at many games. As captain, I’ll try to honor my mission. I have extra duties now.’