Barcelona have ended speculation about the summer plans of Neymar by confirming that the Brazilian striker will play for the national team in the Rio Olympics and not the Copa America Centenario this summer.
The Spanish and European champions club have reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation, who had hoped that the player would play in both tournaments.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, Barcelona said: “Barcelona thanks the Brazilian Football Confederation and its president Marco Polo Del Nero, who accepted the proposal made to the club for the player Neymar Jr. only have to compete in the Olympic Games of 2016, which take place between Aug. 3-21.
“In this way, Neymar Jr. is released to play the Copa America, which will be played in the United States between June 3-26.”
In a statement posted on its website, the Brazilian federation confirmed the agreement.
“The Brazilian Football Federation confirms forward Neymar will only dispute the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio,” the statement read.
“CBF proposed alternatives to also have the player at the Copa America Centenario, but understood his club’s reasons for not making him available. CBF thanks the player’s efforts in trying to dispute both competitions.”
Brazil have never won Olympic gold. Four years ago, in London, with Neymar in their ranks, they reached the final but lost 2-1 to Mexico.
