Zinedine Zidane and Diego Simeone defend Neymar over his showboating controversy
Neymar has received support from the most unlikeliest of sources for his provocative showboating, for which he was criticised in Barcelona's victory over Leganes.
Diego Simeone and Zinedine Zidane have supported Neymar over the harsh words he has received from the opposition fans and media alike.
Also Read: Michael Laudrup accuses Neymar of showboating against Leganes in 5-1 victory
Barcelona thrashed Leganes 5-1 in their last league game with Neymar scoring a brace.
Simeone, Zidane back Neymar’s style of play
Atletico Madrid face Barcelona on Wednesday and Simeone took this opportunity to defend Neymar amidst his recent controversy. He said, "Neymar is an extraordinary player. He won the Olympic Games after being criticised in Brazil after the two first games.”
“He has found in Barcelona the right place to express his talent. Everyone has their own style and their own way of playing. He has been criticised, even in his personal life. He enjoys himself, sings, dances and destroys teams. They can keep criticising him, the kid responds where he must respond."
Real boss Zidane too has come to Neymar's rescue as he said as Real face Villarreal tonight, "I am not inside Neymar's head but for me, I don't think it's a provocation. Everyone interprets football as they see fit and he interprets it his way. He does things that not many players can do. I don't see it as him provoking but you'd have to ask him."
Messi defends Neymar
His companion at Barcelona, Lionel Messi, also backed the Brazilian as he praised the trickster over his contribution for the Catalans since his arrival.
The trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar have regularly destroyed opponents, with Neymar known for his Samba skills but is known to sometimes frustrate supporters by overdoing some of his tricks and flicks.
Ex-Barcelona legend, Michael Laudrup had criticised the 24-year-old for his recent over the top skills.
Messi backed his teammate, “Neymar is a very cheerful guy, he has no evil, he adapted very quickly to Barcelona for the kind of person he is, coming very young but he's an amazing person."
The Brazilian had earlier been accused of showboating against Atletico Madrid during a Copa Del Rey tie back in 2015 and Juanfran, then, had criticised Neymar for overdoing his tricks.