Former FC Barcelona star Dani Alves has revealed what he told Neymar amid rumours his friend could complete a world record move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 34-year-old completed a move to the French giants earlier in this window, and helped PSG claim their first trophy this season after they beat Ligue 1 champions Monaco in the French Super Cup.
Alves has now revealed that he speaks to Neymar every day, and has urged him to be « brave ».
« I speak with him every day, but not always about football, » he said after scoring in PSG’s 2-1 win over Monaco on Saturday, as quoted by Marca.
« I try to keep him calm because in these times, when you listen to people from all over, you can go crazy.
« You have to be selfish because the clubs don’t think of you once you don’t produce results, as I am an example of.
« I told him one thing, which is to be brave, as this world is for the brave.
« Decisions are for the brave and I am the bravest, deciding to leave Barcelona and Juventus.
« He must now make a decision to keep progressing.
« I just want my friend to be happy wherever he is, although if that is here, then that’s obviously better. »
However, Alves also insisted he has nothing to do with Neymar’s decision on a transfer, saying his friend will decide his own future.
« I hope it happens, but I don’t have anything to do with his decision, » he added.
« It is an important decision for him and these are the types of decisions that men must make.
« He is one of my best friends and I always want my friends by my side, but I can’t interfere in his decision. »
Alves is one of four Brazilians already in PSG’s squad – the others being Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Lucas Moura – while Thiago Motta was born in Brazil but represents Italy.