Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Golder’s News And Sport

Neymar has denied flouting social isolation rules in a statement after being slammed after he posted images of himself surrounded by his friends online.

After going home to Brazil after Ligue 1 was put on hold during the coronavirus crisis and after France began implementing strict lockdown measures, Neymar caused a stir when he posted a picture of himself surrounded by people, lying on sand and playing volleyball.

In response to a news article in Mundo Deportivo called “Ney: controversial confinement”, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar, via a communication adviser, released a statement denying any wrongdoing.

The statement reads: “In an article published in Spain and reproduced in Brazil, Neymar Jr is accused of not respecting the rule of social distance recommended by the World Health Organization.

“The photo that sparked the article, published on his Instagram account, shows Neymar Jr next to other people in quarantine with him, who live and have travelled together from Paris to Brazil.

“Neymar Jr offered his house so that everyone could spend the first 14 days there before meeting their respective families. The house where the athlete is carrying out the quarantine is completely isolated, allowing him peace and serenity to continue training and taking care of his loved ones, in this moment of world pain and confinement.”

The statement continued: “The only exception to this rule is his son, Davi Lucca, who came to live with his father […].

“Neymar Jr is keeping his distance from other family members, such as his mother, sister and grandmother, for example, because he understands that this is a moment which requires effort for the common good.

Neymar continues to do his daily work, to prevent injuries and maintain his physical fitness, with his trainer Ricardo Rosa, impatiently awaiting the end of this sad moment of humanity and the return to professional activity that will follow.”

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