Author: Amrit Santlani
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar led his team in attack in his long-awaited return from an ankle injury. The Brazilian striker scored twice and provided an assist in PSG’s 3-0 win over South Korean side Jeonbuk.
Neymar’s return to the court comes at a time when the player’s future remains uncertain, despite his own assurances a few weeks ago that he will remain at PSG.
After not being used in the last three matches, Luis Enrique finally decided to start Neymar against Jeonbuk, the player’s first competitive minutes in over six months.
The 31-year-old had to be carried off on a stretcher in tears after suffering a horrific ankle injury during a Ligue 1 match against Lille. The Brazilian star subsequently had to undergo surgery and has since been recovering from the injury, which left him out of the season.
Neymar continued where he left off, scoring twice and providing an assist for new signing Marco Asensio. The former Barcelona player opened the scoring with a brilliant piece of individual skill and his shot took a deflection before beating the opposing goalkeeper. In the 83rd minute, Neymar received a deep pass and finished with ease to virtually seal the win, before slipping a pass through to Marco Asensio with a flick of his heel to make it 3-0.
“I hope to play for PSG this season, I have a contract with Paris. So far, nobody has told me anything,” the Brazilian striker told CazeTV a few weeks ago. “I’m calm, even if there isn’t much love between the fans and the player. I’ll be there with or without love” he added.
Last season, fans protested outside Neymar’s house, demanding that the player leave the Parc des Princes. Due to his history of injuries and his astronomical salary, few clubs can afford to pay for his services.
PSG, meanwhile, remain active in the summer window as their shopping spree continues, with the club planning for life after Kylian Mbappe as they are set to sign Ousmane Dembele and Gonçalo Ramos.