PSG

Cavani: Neymar is a good kid, but we weren't friends

The Uruguayan has opened up on his relationship with the Brazilian superstar, but only points to one situation when they fell out

 
11:11am on Monday 12th October 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Edinson Cavani has revealed that he was never friends with Neymar away from the pitch, but believes the Brazilian is a "good kid".

Over the years, the vast wealth of Paris Saint-Germain has led to the club purchasing a selection of major stars in world football, which has, at times, subsequently led to a clash of egos within the club.

Cavani, who was with the club for seven years and became their highest ever goalscorer, has had to contend with the big personalities of the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and, of course, Neymar.

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The now-Man Utd striker says that he was never a friend of Neymar off the pitch, but that the pair respected each other as team-mates when they put on the PSG jersey.

"We are very different, we didn't share many things and we think in different ways. That doesn't stop you from getting along," Cavani told Sport about his relationship with Neymar.

"In the group we didn't all have to be friends or brothers. The important thing is to be friends on the pitch, protect each other, run for the other. What cannot be negotiated is respect and commitment on the pitch with your team-mates.

"Later in the dressing room you don't have to have a mate or go out to eat with everyone."

Speculation that the PSG team-mates didn't like each other was catalysed by an incident in a match versus Lyon in which they argued over who would take a penalty kick.

Cavani 19/20 Ligue 1 stats

StatisticValue
Games Started10
Sub Appearances78
Goals4
Assists1
Shots P904.2
OT P901.7
Touches In Box7.9

Although Cavani admits there was some ill-feeling after that clash, he doesn't criticise Neymar any further, referring to him as a "good kid".

"The one time I argued with him, as everyone knows, was that game against Lyon," he added.

"Everything they said afterwards is not true. Ney is a good kid."

The former Napoli and PSG striker joined Man Utd on deadline day, and is in line to actually make his debut for the Red Devils against the French champions as the two clubs have been drawn in the same Champions League group.

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