'Injuries didn't happen because he went out with girls' - Neymar's father defends his son

During the January transfer window, the Brazilian left Al Hilal and returned to Brazil to play for his boyhood club, Santos.

The forward struggled to get back to his best and has been hit with several injuries that have affected his performance.

Neymar's father gave an interview to L'Équipe, via Abola, in which he defended his son's professionalism against constant associations with parties and an active nightlife.

"On the pitch, in training, he's irreproachable. But he's Neymar. And that comes as a complete package [laughs]," he began, referring to the Brazilian international's personality. He then used irony to discredit his son's critics.

"People need to stop believing it's Carnival every night. On the field, he's a professional. Off it, it's his life. He goes out when he's on vacation or when he has time off. His injuries didn't happen because he went out with girls. Do you think he tore his cruciate ligaments because he was playing poker?" he questioned.

"It's impossible for an elite player to completely avoid injuries. At the moment, he's doing well, he's recovered his mental balance and physical form. He's lacking a bit of speed, but that's part of the recovery plan," he added.