Santos president Marcelo Teixeira admits that selling Neymar to Barcelona was ‘not a positive development’ for the Brazilian club.
Neymar previously held the record for being Barcelona’s record signing with his move from the Brazilian club to the Nou Camp in 2013 for a fee ultimately revealed to be worth €86.2m.
That figure only came out after an investigation into Neymar’s move. Santos later claimed in the Court of Arbritration for Sport (CAS) they had only been paid €17m of the total.
Santos president admits Neymar’s controversial transfer to Barcelona was ‘not positive’
It later transpired that Barcelona had in fact paid €86.2m in total, with the rest split between Neymar’s private company and to his father – prompting then-Barca president Sandro Rosell to resign and leading Santos to unsuccessfully sue Barcelona for over €61m in compensation.
However, after a lengthy process that culminated in 2020, CAS ruled that Barcelona had not acted illegally and rejected the Brazilian club’s appeal.
Teixera nonetheless insists that the two clubs maintain a ‘healthy relationship’, telling Marca: “We have a great relationship with both teams – Atletico Madrid too.
“Neymar’s transfer to Barcelona wasn’t a positive development, but we have a very healthy relationship.
“We played several friendlies , we also participated in four-team tournaments and friendlies with Real Madrid to celebrate the anniversary. Our relationships with Spanish clubs are very positive.”
Neymar is now back with his boyhood club following a spell playing the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.
The 33 year old has made a positive start to life back at the club, registering three goals and assists apiece in seven appearances.
Teixera went on: “He’s doing very well, very focused on his work. We’re familiar with the Brazilian schedule here; you play on Wednesdays and Sundays.
“He’s very dedicated to training and matches, growing increasingly physically and with confidence, which is very important.
“He’s very committed to the project and the players, who see him as a role model. The rest of the team trust him. He’s committed to the project and the group of players.”
