(foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Neymar returned from injury in Santos' Brazil Cup loss to CRB and called for squad improvements. With his contract ending in July, he admitted: “I don’t know” about renewing.
Neymar returned to action on Thursday for Santos after a month out, but his comeback was overshadowed by the team’s Brazil Cup elimination at the hands of second-tier side CRB, who advanced with a 5-4 win on penalties after a goalless draw.
The 32-year-old came on in the 65th minute and converted his penalty in the shootout, but CRB pulled off a shock victory at Rei Pelé Stadium, sending Santos out of the tournament and deepening their current crisis.
Santos are second to last in the league standings, with four defeats in their last five matches, and Neymar made it clear after the match that the team cannot rely solely on him to turn things around.
“I know that with me on the pitch things are different. In 20 or 25 minutes I can make a difference,” Neymar told *Amazon Prime*. “But it can’t just depend on me. Everyone knows the situation we are in. We need all the players to help get us out.”
When asked about a potential extension of his short-term contract, which expires in July, Neymar responded bluntly: “My renewal? I don’t know.”
Neymar has already missed much of the season due to injuries, most recently sitting out since mid-April with a thigh issue. That same injury also ruled him out of national team action under new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.
He rejoined Santos earlier this year on a symbolic six-month deal, returning to the club where he launched his professional career. But with the team’s form plummeting, his stay beyond July now appears uncertain, unless the club significantly strengthens the squad.