Neymar Santos (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Neymar admitted he lost control during a Santos training session involving Robinho Junior and publicly apologized after the incident became a major story in Brazil.
Neymar has publicly addressed the training ground incident involving Robinho Junior, the son of former Brazil star Robinho, after the story exploded across Brazilian media.
The alleged confrontation reportedly took place during a Santos training session after the young player dribbled past Neymar, which has reportedly triggered an emotional reaction from the club’s biggest star.
According to reports in Brazil, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation, creating a huge controversy around the club.
Neymar has now confirmed that an incident did happen and admitted he went too far.
"It’s simply part of football. First of all, what happened had to be resolved between us. It was a misunderstanding we had in training," Neymar explained.
"It was a reaction I had, and in the end I overdid it a bit. But right after it happened, I apologized. We spoke in the dressing room, and we made up."
The Brazilian star also made clear that he has a strong relationship with the young player.
"He’s a kid I really like, I have special affection for him. These things happen in football. You fight with your brother, with a friend. I fought with many friends in football."
According to Neymar, the situation became much bigger than it should have because details leaked outside the club.
"These things had to be resolved internally. It didn’t need to become like this. Then people who don’t live the everyday reality of football made it much bigger."
The former Barcelona and PSG star also apologized publicly to the player and his family.
"If people want an apology through the media, here it is. I already apologized to him and his family. I went too far. Everyone makes mistakes. It was my mistake and also his mistake, but I made the bigger mistake."
Before the incident, Neymar had reportedly played an important role in mentoring and supporting Robinho Junior following his return to Santos.
The episode has now become one of the biggest talking points in Brazilian football.