Barcelona have confirmed Neymar is to miss the Copa America this summer but will take part in Brazil’s Olympic Games challenge.
A statement on the club’s website thanks all parties for coming to an agreement over the forward’s summer programme, after concerns Neymar would be overburdened by a heavy schedule following a long season.
“Barcelona expresses its gratitude to the Brazilian Football Confederation and its President Marco Polo del Nero for accepting the club’s proposal for Neymar to only play at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer, to be held from August 3 to 21, and not at the Copa America in the United States from June 3 to 26,” the statement read.
AS adds that Neymar had wanted to partake in both tournaments but Barca wanted him to be able to rest, and the national team’s Coach, Dunga, said that with Barca unwilling for Neymar to be involved in each competition, he’d rather have him for the Olympics.
It’s noted that the Olympic Games gold medal is the only prize Brazil haven’t won at senior international level.
