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How Leonardo and Neymar's relationship has deteriorated at PSG

  /  autty

While Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona discuss Neymar's future, with Real Madrid in the background, the French club's new sporting director Leonardo has decided to take a strong stance when it comes to discipline issues.

And the Brazilian player could be made an example of: the two will meet when Neymar returns to Paris and Leonardo will tell him if he doesn't comply with the new rules, there will be punishments. 

PSG released a statement on Monday explaining their anger at Neymar failing to return for preseason training with his teammates. The people close to Neymar (who doesn't want to return to Paris), including his father, claimed he had permission to delay his return until July 15.  

TWO WARNINGS 

The website Paris United assures that Neymar not only went to Brazil when he wanted, but that Leonardo spoke with him on two occasions to communicate that he should bring his return forward, despite what had been agreed with Antero Henrique, the previous sporting director. Neymar says his delayed return is due to charity events with his Foundation in Santos. 

Things changed with Leonardo and the first conversation with Ney was tense. He told him that he would treat him like every other player and that annoyed the star, who is used to having different treatment. 

NO PACTS

Paris United add that 15 days ago there was a second discussion. Leonardo remarked that he expected Neymar back on  July 8, not July 15 and that it did not matter what had been agreed previously. 

Neymar ignored Leonardo's request and he will be punished as soon as he returns to France. PSG chief Nasser Al Khelaïfi had marked the path two weeks ago: all players will have the same treatment, regardless of if you're called Neymar, Mbappe or Di Maria. 

All the squad were back on July 8, including Mbappe, who had less holiday time. Leonardo was clear: preseason starts with everyone, except the South Americans that played in the Copa America (Neymar missed it through injury) and Choupo-Moting, who is at the African Cup of Nations. For the sporting director, Neymar's had enough time off. 

NOT AT ANY PRICE 

It's evident that the two will speak when Neymar's back in Paris and not just about his late return: also about a possible PSG exit. 

It won't be easy because the French champions want to protect their image as a non-selling club. Barcelona could include a player(s) in the deal, such as Philippe