Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says Neymar's exploits at the Olympics have earned him
the right to some extra time off before linking back up with the
Barcelona squad next month.
Neymar, who scored a free kick in
normal time and the winning penalty in the shootout as Brazil took the
gold medal against Germany at the weekend, had been expected to re-join
his Barca teammates in training this week ahead of Saturday's trip to
Athletic Bilbao.
However, a statement released by the Catalan club on Monday
said coach Luis Enrique felt it was best if the 24-year-old remained in
his homeland with next week's international break in mind.
"It's
not been easy [for Neymar] because to be there [Brazil] meant there was a
lot of pressure to win, even though he's accustomed to that," Pique
told Marca.
"So
he's earned this break because it was a long, tough competition and
[next week] he has more games with the national team. It's a good
decision."Neymar stepped down as his country's captain
after the win over Germany but he still takes his place in Tite's first
Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and
Colombia.
Following the Colombia game on Sept. 6 he will return
to Barcelona and could make his first appearance of the season in the
league game against Alaves the following Saturday at Camp Nou.
Due to his commitments with his national team, Neymar missed the Blaugrana's Super Cup win over Sevilla and their opening day La Liga victory over Real Betis.
Tuesday, 23 August 2016
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» NEYMAR DESERVE REST AFTER OLYMPIC PRESSURE SAYS PIQUE
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