Barcelona
Barcelona relaxed about Neymar despite United interest
Barcelona

Barcelona relaxed about Neymar despite United interest

Published Feb. 8, 2016 6:52 a.m. ET

Neymar is happy to stay at Barcelona, according to the club's director of football Robert Fernandez.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the club in the Spanish media in recent months, and his father, Neymar Sr, revealed last week Manchester United made a world-record bid of £140m ($200m) for the 24-year-old forward in the summer.

Neymar's father also made the headlines when he clashed with journalists, telling them to leave his son alone, which prompted Barcelona to put out a statement demanding respect for one of their prize assets.

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But, Fernandez insists Neymar is happy at Camp Nou, and that the club are relaxed about his future.

"Neymar and his management are very happy and we are very relaxed," Fernandez told Marca. "The club stands by the player. These things happen and we shouldn't dwell on it.

"The important thing is that he is happy and that's something we can see in every game he plays."

Fernandez was echoing Neymar Sr's words on Spanish radio station COPE last week, when he insisted: "He still has two years left on his contract but you can all be calm as my son is so happy here."

Neymar has 75 goals in 121 appearances at Barcelona since his move from Brazilian side Santos in 2013, and finished third in this year's Ballon d'Or behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos said last month he believes he could help take Neymar to the Bernabeu following the appointment of Zinedine Zidane. 

"I can take him to Real Madrid. He's very young. I am sure next year he will finish even higher in the Ballon d'Or."

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