Neymar, 33, recently returned to action after a 48-day absence due to a muscular injury and was welcomed by boos from the Santos crowd who have expressed their fury over the winger who they believe is leading the club to relegation this season.
During Santos' 3-2 defeat to Flamengo, Neymar’s teammates ignored his instructions before he stormed off after being substituted, in a moment that summed up his return to his boyhood side so far.
Neymar has once again been left out of Brazil’s squad, and it is extremely unlikely that manager Caro Ancelotti will pick the veteran, who only seems to be getting worse. However, speaking to Globo, his former teammate Casemiro has jumped to his defence in what are dark times for the former Barcelona star.
“I had the pleasure of playing with great players. Cristiano (Ronaldo) in his best phase, when everything he touched was a goal. I played with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, (Gareth) Bale, (Karim) Benzema. We’re talking about more than 10 Ballon d’Or winners. And it’s inevitable that you put Neymar on that list.
“Everyone does what they want on and off the field. My lifestyle is different, more reserved. But we can't dismiss him if he's doing well. If he's physically and mentally fit, he's by far the best. I'm a big fan of him as a player.”
Casemiro and Neymar are the same age and yet the United midfielder plays in the Premier League and is ready to guide Brazil in the next World Cup. Neymar has fallen from grace but Casemiro says he still has the ability to turn Santos around at any moment thanks to his endless ability.
"I've known Neymar since I was 12 years old. He played for Santos, I played for Moreira. This guy has always been very, very different. He can decide a game at any moment. It's a privilege to say that I played with Neymar.
“This guy is incredible. And in my day-to-day life, I know his staff very well, how he works. Everything he's done for football can't be a coincidence; you can't be like that just with talent, you have to have the work, you have to have the dedication."