From the ranks, two months after Lionel Messi's departure, as could be expected, the gaze of "Barcelona" fans turns to the remaining two members of the famous MSN trio - Neymar and Luis Suarez.
About the additional responsibility burdened on his shoulders and life in Barcelona, journalists of the daily newspaper "El Mundo Deportivo" spoke with the Brazilian football star.
In the Spanish championship match against "Sevilla", it was Neymar's jubilee - it was his 100th official match for "Barcelona" club. However, the celebration was overshadowed as the Catalans lost to their opponents with a score of 1:2.
A little earlier, there was no escape from criticism in the Champions League meeting with Leverkusen's "Bayer", where impatient Barcelona fans booed their own players. According to Neymar, the support from the stands is one of the most important things that fans can contribute to the team's success.
- Now, with Lionel Messi not in the team, many just point fingers at the players who must "push the cart" forward and take responsibility. Do you feel that pressure? - I have felt pressure since the beginning of my professional career. First at "Santos", then with the Brazilian national team. It's not new to me, but I have to admit that here, in Barcelona, the responsibility is perhaps the greatest. Everyone wants only victories. I can say that I will do everything within my power to ensure that they are achieved.
- Are you afraid of whistles? - Whistles have never scared me, but I know that some of them can be very harsh.
He is doing great. As far as I know, his leg is healing as predicted by the doctors, without complications.
- Coming up next weekend are home matches with "Rayo Vallecano". Last time, when "Barcelona" played at home against "Bayer", the fans booed out of dissatisfaction. Did that surprise you? - The boos did surprise me. I understand that it's part of football, but the team gave their all in the match against "Bayer". Maybe not everything went according to plan, but we really wanted that victory.
- What would you say to those who booed the team? - What can you say... Be the same as you were last year. Support the team everywhere and always, because the fans' support makes us stronger.
- Last year you won all three major trophies. What are the plans for this season? - In Barcelona, the goal is always to win all the tournaments in which we participate, so I think the answer is obvious. The start of the season was very difficult, as many players were still recovering from injuries and the team lacked time to play properly. But now everything is in the past. We just need to hope that we will finally "pick up" the pace.
- You have just started your third season in Barcelona and you have been included in the list of the "Golden Ball" nominees. Would you like to win this award? - Of course, but maybe sometime in the future. This season's "Golden Ball" already has its favorite, and I think it already has its owner...
- Really? - Yes, it's Lionel Messi. And for me, it would be enough honor to just make it into the top three finalists.
- Last season, together with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, you scored a total of 122 goals. What is the reason behind such success? - To be honest, we were a bit surprised ourselves. I think many did not expect us to play so well together and understand each other so well on the field.
- Your contract with Barcelona is still valid for three more years, but there are already rumors about negotiations for a new contract. Do you want to sign it? - Of course, but we will discuss it later. My father and agent are handling all the negotiation details. They know the situation best.
- You have played 100 official matches in Barcelona. Which match stands out the most? - First of all, it is an honor and the fulfillment of a childhood dream, and the matches... There were quite a few. And the Spanish Super Cup final with Madrid's "Atletico" last summer, the Champions League final. Maybe the final with "Juventus". It's not easy to choose.
- And the goal? - Perhaps the first one I scored representing "Barcelona" in the first season. It happened in the Spanish Supercup match against "Atletico". That was the beginning of everything.
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