“People don't understand how obsessed I am with the idea of winning.
Attributed to Kobe Bryant, the basketball legend tragically died in January 2020 in a helicopter crash, the quote has been displayed on Neymar's right thigh for several months.
As a tribute, of course.
As a definition of his ambitions, too.
Four years after his arrival, these words begin to correspond to the current version of the Brazilian.
After two high-level performances against Bayern Munich in the previous round, the Parisian star is getting closer to the best form of his life.
The ankle and adductor injuries of winter 2020-2021 seem to have been forgotten.
“I had difficulties but I overcame them, confesses the Olympic champion.
I have always been very professional despite what some people say.
" All the same.
By disciplining his nutrition, "Ney" has evolved his body in recent weeks, regaining the physical "fit" of his heyday.
"I make sure that it is always the best Neymar on the field, he proclaims at the microphone of RMC Sport.
Rest assured that with Neymar on the pitch, PSG will have a good chance of winning.
"
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The road to success, Neymar knows it.
In the spring of 2015, under the FC Barcelona jersey, he wore the costume of the hero of the European conquest with seven goals between the quarters and the final.
The Brazilian was then well accompanied by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
This time, he can count on Kylian Mbappé, writer of his own legend, six times scorer against Barça and Bayern in the 8th and quarterfinals.
Between the two, no competition, just the same goal.
Within this locker room, Neymar is now moving forward like a leader, revealing a very real happiness.
Extension ?
"Everything is almost settled"
“My first goal is the Champions League, not the Golden Ball, slips Neymar.
Mbappé is a very great player.
I wish he was happy and had the greatest possible success.
After growing up in the shadow of Messi in Catalonia, there is however a risk that the stature taken by Mbappé blocks individual distinctions.
"He is sincere, assures one of his relatives.
If Kylian is to win the Golden Ball, Neymar will applaud him.
"If they are aiming for a joint victory in the Champions League, the two friends will face each other this summer from a distance, one with Brazil at the Copa America, the other with France at the Euro.
VIDEO.
PSG-Manchester City: Neymar, "happy" and ambitious with Paris
Before meeting up together in Paris? The suspense continues for Neymar, who still does not wish to publicly formalize his extension until June 2026. “It will come naturally”, he promises, repeating how much he feels “at ease” and “happy” in the French capital . “We are in discussion with the club. We are not in a hurry. Everything is almost settled, ”he nevertheless told RMC Sport, aside from his third appearance at a press conference in four years on Tuesday at the Loges camp. The famous "last details" of a contract that a qualification for a new European final could well clarify.
