Chelsea transfers: Neymar will decide his own fate, says Santos chief

Neymar represented Brazil at the London 2012 OlympicsPhoto: S Savarese

Chelsea transfers: Neymar will decide on his own future amid interest from several clubs, according to the Santos vice-president 

By TSR staff     3:12pm UK, Saturday 6 April 2013

Santos will allow Neymar to decide his own future should the striker eventually swap Brazil for Europe, according to the club’s vice-president Odilio Rodrigues.

Neymar has been heaving linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester Cityover the past 12 months, while La Liga duo Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been touted as possible destinations for the striker.

The Brazil international has scored six goals in seven games this year, but the 21-year-old is yet to reveal his first-choice destination despite increasing speculation about his future.

Rodrigues says Barcelona would be a great club for the exciting forward, but insists the decision ultimately rests with Neymar.

“Barcelona are a great club with excellent players and they would be good for Neymar,” Rodrigues told La Xarxa Radio.

“We are aware of the interest in the player. But there are other clubs interested. It will be Neymar’s decision.”

Rodrigues also conceded Santos will struggle to hold onto Neymar in the wake of interest from some of Europe’s biggest – and wealthiest – clubs.

He added: “Santos want the player to stay at least until after 2014. But we know it is hard to compete with the economic power of the Spanish clubs.” http://www.thesportreview.com