Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Jerome Rothen has blasted Neymar over his lack of professionalism.
The Brazilian was injured on November 29, 2021 and was ruled out for two months. He was expected to undergo rehab and fitness in Paris, but PSG have now allowed him to stay in Brazil until January 9.
He has been spotted attending parties and playing in poker tournaments over the last few weeks. Such incidents have not gone down well with Rothen, who has criticized both the player and the club.
Speaking about Neymar's late return, the former PSG man said:
"Late returns, we have all been there when you play a lot over the first part of a season. I will not even bother talking about the players returning to training 48 hours before a game. If they get by, as they should, it is no problem. If not, that is professional misconduct. However, hearing about Neymar - it is a total joke. Not him alone but the club as well. An absolute sketch."
Rothen added about Neymar's poor attitude:
"How is it acceptable from such a player who has played 50% of games this season? He is less efficient, getting older, puts on weight when he is out of action and does not lead a healthy lifestyle. When you are over 30, you do not recover like you did at 25."
He continued:
"It is unacceptable from the club," he said. "Once again, I blame the sporting director as he manages the sporting side of things. Also, his hands are not tied. We must stop thinking that the leaders, the president, or the coach stop him from doing this or that. He decides everything and he approved Neymar staying in Brazil until Jan. 9 for treatment."
Rothen urges PSG to learn from other elite clubs in Europe
PSG's laid-back attitude towards their star players has been a cause for concern. It has also seen several managers part ways with the club. Rothen has urged the PSG hierarchy to learn from their counterparts in Europe on how to run a club professionally.
"You say that you are the sporting director (Leonardo) for one of Europe's biggest clubs and that you want to win the Champions League. In terms of the means, that is no problem. Compare him after his recent spell in Italy with Germany or England and see for yourself. How can there be so many absentees when returning to action? That never happens in other leagues."
Rothen added:
"You never have one of your key players treated abroad and less in his own country. Neymar is on holiday. It is not normal, and PSG still suffers through this. Neymar's social media bullshit, poker, parties, and new year stuff. Now he is going to make comeback videos for us doing weights and say that he is getting ready to come back on form in February."
Neymar, who will turn 30 in a month's time, has scored three goals and provided as many assists in 14 appearances in all competitions this season.
Lholding
0
They can’t win it yes, despite the troubles at the club they are all in the same direction
Sad story is money (is football is) money, and those days of building player in Barca b team not going to work, cause money is coming for them money is god buda allah are Jesus everyone master
Bullyoftheearth
0
I know Barca isn’t doing better than psg so why talk can Barca win the league no
They can’t win it yes, despite the troubles at the club they are all in the same direction
Lholding
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Every star player at PSG puts has got a unique problem mbappe wants to leave, Neymar with injuries but about all his attitude is a problem, the sooner PSG realizes that they should be buying players that want to play for the badge better for them am certain Messi,Ramos, Navas know that this conduct never existed at Barca and Madrid when they where collecting titles for fun
I know Barca isn’t doing better than psg so why talk can Barca win the league no
Lholding
0
If I had As much money as Neymar does I do the same thing I’ll be chilling playing poker life is too short not to live to the fullest enjoy while you can Neymar
That sound like and early retire for me
Lholding
0
So did he personally weigh Neymar?? 😩😩😂😂😂... just another has been washed nobody mad because Ney has everything he Never did and never will!
Your stupid that’s all you can think of vanity did Neymar fulfills is contract no did we win the champions league no he’s injured most the time that’s bad for business talk the truth
zuziknptuz
2
Rotten wants people to remember him!
vecabcky
1
Neymar is not playing anymore he just wants partying all time psg will not win the champions league with neymar Messi and M’Bappe,why because neymar is not playing anymore,he play for fun,Messi Ramos,they too old and M’Bappe is mind is on Madrid .
Dahaceinor
1
So did he personally weigh Neymar?? 😩😩😂😂😂... just another has been washed nobody mad because Ney has everything he Never did and never will!
dehbimpry
2
If I had As much money as Neymar does I do the same thing I’ll be chilling playing poker life is too short not to live to the fullest enjoy while you can Neymar
Itsallaboutfootball
2
Me just now watching Neymar’s instagram story of fitness !!!
Bullyoftheearth
3
Every star player at PSG puts has got a unique problem mbappe wants to leave, Neymar with injuries but about all his attitude is a problem, the sooner PSG realizes that they should be buying players that want to play for the badge better for them am certain Messi,Ramos, Navas know that this conduct never existed at Barca and Madrid when they where collecting titles for fun
Mangisha
3
Well, it's his choice, isn't it?
zokkmorst
0
Neymar is a good player but he honestly isn't the 3rs best player , honestly people overrate him technically he is better than all the players who played but for me it would be Luis Suarez who is the 3rd best along with Lewandowski being the 2nd and Messi the first of our generation. Maybe include Bale too and then Neymar.
Kongwiedwardmangong
3
paris now plays for pleasur
didbemrtuy
2
That’s what I am saying this is not normal. Neymar is my favorite player but I am getting tired of him always being injured and always posting how he working out and stuff but whenever he comes back it usually takes him like 5 games to get rhythm back.