BRAZIL’S President has accused injured superstar Neymar of “working from home” at the World Cup.
Neymar’s inclusion in ‘s squad has become increasingly controversial because he turned up for duty with a calf injury that was far more serious than he admitted.
Neymar has missed both of Brazil’s opening two World Cup games Credit: Reuters
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva – known as ‘Lula’ – has hit out at Neymar Credit: AFP
The former and PSG man, 34, and was again an against Haiti.
About hours before kickoff in Miami ‘s state president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva – known as Lula – slammed the crocked star.
Lula said: “I saw something yesterday, that is the first player in the world to be called up to work from home.
“He is working from home.
“I reckon one of these days we’re going to have to do a selection using artificial intelligence: then we’d have 11 Peles.”
Lula, who was at an event in Belo Horizonte, took a further pot-shot by comparing him negatively to Brazil‘s greatest woman player.
He added: “If you are asking me if Neymar is the best player in the world, I would suggest Marta.”
It was the latest salvo in a war of words between the pair after Neymar publicly endorsed Lula’s predecessor and electoral rival, populist .
Both politicians have been accused of orchestrating the arrest and imprisonment of the other with leftist Lula spending 18 months in jail before the charges against him were overturned.
But Neymar fans accused the President of trying to undermine Ancelotti’s team by making his comments so close to the kick-off of the match.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
