The Argentine wants the attacker to remain with the Blaugrana for many years and insists he is happy at the club despite reports he could leave
Javier Mascherano says Neymar remains the future of Barcelona and is happy at the club despite speculation linking him with a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Bet on Barcelona to win CL
PSG are willing to meet the €222 million release clause to sign the Brazilian attacker, who is interested in leaving Camp Nou to increase his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Unai Emery stated that, as one of “the top five in the world”, Neymar is the type of signing they need in their pursuit of a first Champions League crown.
However, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu and technical secretary Robert Fernandez have stated, however, that UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules would make it impossible for any club to meet the release clause.
While the 25-year-old remains silent on the matter, Mascherano urged him to stay with Ernesto Valverde’s for the new La Liga season.
“Obviously he is young and I hope he’s here with Barcelona for many more years,” the Argentina defender said to ESPN.
“He is a really important player for the club. Because of his age, he’s the future of the club and we hope we can keep on counting on him.
James: I can replace Messi and Ronaldo
“He’s accustomed to the pressure and people talking. There’s always going to be rumours and news around him.
“It’s really difficult to give advice. Firstly, I’m not anyone to be giving advice and secondly, I see him really happy here, really happy. [Barca] are a club that have made it possible for him to perform at his best. But after that, each person has to make their own decisions.”
Let’