Neymar became one of the villains of the day last Tuesday after mocking a player from Rennes in a match of the French League Cup. The PSG star made a motion to help him get up, but finally removed his hand and walked away with a smile on his face.
Such a demeaning gesture is going around the world and before the controversy grows, the Brazilian has given explanations about the incident, making it clear that it is one of the ways to defend himself from the aggression of rivals.
Get to know a little more about Neymar's life. (Video: Fernando Falco)
"If I do it to a friend, why can't I do it to a rival," Neymar said to the media in the mixed zone after PSG's 3-1 victory over Rennes. In his subsequent statements, the Brazilian star explained that doing feints, dribbles and nutmegs is the best way he has to provoke.
"They hit and I play football. They provoke, but I also know how to provoke in my own way, with the ball. I'm not used to kicking, I don't know how to do it. I defend myself with the ball. I know they will say I can be a good player, but that I provoke too much. I know they will say that, but they should see what they do," said Neymar.