The Brazilian forward started in Sunday's league game and was taken off in the 85th minute with his team trailing 3-0. A clip went viral of the former Barcelona winger running back to take a goal kick before his teammate launched the ball upfield, much to his frustration.
This clipped has summed up his Santos career so far, with the side in grave danger of being relegated from the Série A. With just six games remaining, Neymar’s side are in the relegation zone, two points from safety in a season that is one to forget for the club.
Despite Neymar’s lack of impact at Santos, Mattos has defended the forward, who he believes is a midunderstood genius.
"Geniuses are misunderstood, it has always been that way in human history. They think ahead of their time, they do things differently, they make a difference… they are insatiable for challenges, for change, for goals that few manage to achieve… they leave legacies, they make history…
"But they are also human beings, they get things right and wrong, they smile and cry, they have feelings, a heart, they breathe, they live and survive life's blows…You are like that, a genius… those who know you know the human being you are, the heart you have, the humility you exude, the concern you have for everyone, the father and friend you are…
"They try to defeat you, they can't, they try to knock you down, you get up, everything is bigger for you, but you are bigger than everything…Do you know why? Because you have God in your heart… a good aura…My brother, you will never be alone… be sure that I'm here to take life's blows with you… your family is, your friends are, your companions are
“You are admired and adored by me and by everyone who knows you, by billions around the world who dream of being like you… you earned this, you deserve this…Difficult moments make men stronger!! I'm always with you!!! Through thick and thin….We are!!!"
Neymar, 33, recently returned to action after a 48-day absence due to a muscular injury. He has three goals in 15 league appearances for Santos so far and many believe that his move will be considered a fail even if he keeps the side from being relegated.