Neymar has made ‘mistakes’ amid interest from former club Barcelona, according to sporting director Leonardo.
The Brazilian’s time in France has not gone according to plan, with the Ligue 1 champions failing to make it past the Champions League last-16 stage in each of his two seasons at the club.
Now reports suggest the Paris St-Germain superstar has set his sights firmly on a return to the Nou Camp before the European transfer window closes on September 2.
According to Sky Sports, Neymar told PSG he wanted to leave back in July, and he was absent from Thomas Tuchel’s matchday squad for their opening victory against Nimes last weekend.
Supporters even held a banner aloft at that game which read ‘Neymar go away’, symbolising the toxic relationship he has developed with the Parisians.
But while Leonardo thinks the 27-year-old has made errors in the way he has dealt with the situation, the former Brazil international insists his compatriot is ‘a good boy with a very good heart’.
“Neymar has made mistakes,” he told RMC Sport.
“I didn't know him before. Over time, I have got to know him.
“I honestly think he is a good boy with a very good heart.
“On the pitch, he is an extraordinary player.”
According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, PSG are demanding £138m and Philippe Coutinho in a player-plus-cash deal.
Yet Barca, who forked out £106m to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid this summer, are low on funds and have so far offered just £92m plus Coutinho.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
