'These things happen in soccer': Neymar grilled for slapping teenage son of former Brazil teammate
Neymar has apologised for a training ground rift with Santos teammate Robinho Jr in an incident that could further dent his already slim chances of playing for Brazil at the World Cup.
Robinho Jr, the 18-year-old son of former Brazil star Robinho, had alleged this week that he was slapped by the 34-year-old Neymar during team training.
Neymar scored in Santos' 1-1 draw at Deportivo Recoleta in Paraguay in a Copa Sudamericana match, but media attention was on what he had to say about the scuffle earlier this week.
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Robinho Jr and Neymar playing for Santos. Getty
“These things happen in soccer,” Neymar told reporters.
“It should have been solved by us two. It was a disagreement we had during training, I had a reaction and exaggerated a little.
"Soon after I apologised, we talked in the dressing room and came to an understanding.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the nation since an ACL injury in October 2023.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce his World Cup squad on May 18.
