Barcelona have received a boost in their hopes to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou after Paris Saint Germain manager Thomas Tuchel revealed he knew the Brazilian international wanted to leave before the Copa America.
Neymar is reportedly looking for a return to Barcelona two years after he left the Camp Nou for a world record fee of 220 million pounds.
The former Santos star has failed to turn up for PSG's pre-season training and has told club director Leonardo of his intention to leave this summer according to SkySports.
Leonardo had earlier confirmed the 27-year-old will be allowed to leave if the club receive a suitable offer. Tuchel has now echoed the comments of the club's director saying he knew about Neymar's intentions before the commencement of Copa America.
Speaking after PSG's preseason win over Dynamo Dresden on Tuesday night, the former Dortmund manager expressed his disappointment at Neymar's refusal to turn up for preseason, but he is not surprised.
“I am always disappointed when a player turns up late but it is clear between us, now it is between the club and Neymar,” Tuchel told RMC.
“I knew he wanted to leave before the Copa America but it is something between the club and player. “I am the coach, he's my player. If he is in the locker room, this is my player and I work with him. “But I am ready for everything and have to adapt every day.”
