Celtic have this morning been receiving some gushing praise from an unlikely source – PSG’s Neymar.
The Brazilian certainly has a rocky relationship with the Hoops after his demeanour against them in previous meetings.
If Neymar hasn’t been scoring against Celtic, he’s been diving, looking to get players sent off, and acting without class. You won’t find many Celtic fans who like him, and for good reason.
But the feeling doesn’t particularly seem to be mutual if his latest comments are anything to go by. The Hoops have just taken Timothy Weah on loan, and Neymar has had his say on the move.
Talking up Weah and Celtic, Neymar was glowing in his praise of the Scottish champions. Speaking to the Daily Record, Neymar said the following:
““It is a good move for him, a good move for Celtic as they are getting such a big talent, and also a good move for PSG because he has a chance to get experience and games and come back to us a more complete player.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
“He did have options – but he chose the right one.
“Celtic are a big club, in their league they attack a lot and score a lot of goals, and also they are still in Europe – so they offer him much.”
Unlikely but welcome praise
Neymar won’t be receiving many Christmas cards from Celtic fans, but it’s good to see some maturity from him here.
Given the fact that Weah had other options, Celtic should take a lot knowing that players like Neymar believe they’re the right club. It shows the standing the club still has in the European game.
Weah could make his debut on Saturday at home to Airdrieonians, and is match-fit and raring to go. Odsonne Edouard, however, is surely still favourite to keep his place.
As for Neymar, credit to him for speaking a bit of common sense. No doubt when Celtic next play against him, however, he’ll be back to rolling on the ground without being touched and refusing to shake young players’ hands at full-time.
His attitude on the pitch remains close to scandalous, and this won’t change anything with Hoops supporters. As always, however, it’s nice to receive some praise from one of football’s biggest names.
As much as we all have a strong disliking towards Neymar – that’s exactly what he is.