Football Talk - Neymar advised not to join Chelsea - 18/08/10
Brazil coach Mano Menezes has advised Neymar against joining Chelsea and says the teenager will benefit from staying with Santos.
It is believed Chelsea have made a £24 million offer for the forward, who recently scored on his senior debut for the Brazilian national side. Neymar does have a release clause set in his contract to the value of £29.6 million.
Menezes hopes the 18-year-old remains in his home country at present. Menezes said: "All understand Neymar's situation and what must be going on in his mind. But thinking about Brazilian football, his remaining with Santos would be beneficial. The team is on top and it would very good for Neymar to say with them for a longer period."
Meanwhile, the forward says he will take into account the view of his national boss and does not wish to be a substitute if he does move to England.
"I don't know if I will stay or depart but I don't wish to leave a championship team like Santos to be placed on the reserve team of Chelsea or any other foreign team," Neymar said. "It would be better to stay. I will take into consideration Mano's advice before making my decision."
Santos have been annoyed by Chelsea's approach and have threatened to report the Premier League club to FIFA for what they described as "harassment" - a charge that has been denied by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck. Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, revealed last week that he would like to sign the Brazilian.
"I can only speak about his technical quality," said Ancelotti. "He is a fantastic player. We are interested in all the young players that come through all over the world and Neymar is one of these but this doesn't mean we have to buy this player."
