In an interview with CNN Esportes, Leao branded the Santos forward “not an example for anyone” and insisted he is no longer the player he once was.
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His comments have reignited long-standing debates about Neymar’s professionalism and commitment to the national team.
He claimed that the 33-year-old “hasn’t looked after himself” and no longer influences games the way he used to while rejecting the idea that the former Barcelona star can still be the solution for Brazil.
"In his head, when he's about to start a play, he knows what he's going to do, but he can't do it anymore. He can't do it anymore,” he said.
“He no longer has the same muscular reaction. The training sequence is gone. He's not the same athlete. It's no use.”