“Neymar was like a father to me”: Javi Simons’ beautiful tribute to his idol and former PSG teammate

Javi Simons is like a duck to water in Leipzig. Brilliant since the start of the season, with four assists and three goals in five games, the striker, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is fully thriving in the Bundesliga and is highly regarded by his new club.

At the beginning of the week, Max Eberl, Leipzig’s sporting director, even announced his intention to transfer the player to Kicker magazine. “Xavi started very well and is now having a very good season,” he stressed. I think we now have an emotional connection with RB Leipzig. He identifies with us, the team and the club. (…) We will try to keep him with us longer in the summer of 2024.”

“My big dream is to play with my idol”

This time it is Javi Simons’ turn to talk about his well-being in his new environment and his future at the club. “I’ve been here for three months now, enjoying my time and appreciating everything here,” the Dutchman assured Sky Sport. I want to achieve something here and leave my mark on the club. It’s difficult to predict what will happen in football. That’s why I’m focusing on Saturday first (editor’s note: hosting Bayern Munich). »

The Batavian international also had a word for Neymar, whom he knew during his time at Barcelona and PSG and who had a big influence on him. “He already knew me in Barcelona and was like a father to me,” he appreciated. I will always be grateful to him. It was a big dream to play with my idol, and he is still an important person for me. It’s not easy for a young player to get into a big team, with his idols and big stars – and he played this role. I am very grateful to him. “A nice tribute to the Brazilian, who also left the capital club this summer to join Saudi Arabia and Al Hilal.