Barcelona on Neymar return: Bartomeu responds to speculation

Barcelona on Neymar return: The Catalan giants have responded to the speculation regarding the former superstar’s return.

Barcelona have reclaimed their position at the top of the table in La Liga. Ernesto Valverde’s side cruised to a 4-2 victory over the-then second-placed Sevilla last weekend to climb up the table.

However, the Catalan side received a huge setback as Barca’s star performer Lionel Messi was substituted with an arm injury in the first half. It was later confirmed that the Argentine star will be out of football action for three weeks, and so he’ll miss the season’s first El Clasico.

Barcelona, however, have only scored 18 points from their 9 games in the league. The Catalan side was on a nine-match winless run before their game against Sevilla. Barca are benefitted by Real Madrid’s slump in form, who faced another defeat in the league as they went down 2-1 at home to Levante.

During the international break, Barcelona were increasingly linked with a move for their former star, Neymar. Barca’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu has now spoken on the speculations.

Barcelona on Neymar return:

The Brazilian star played for Barcelona for four seasons, lifting two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy. He made 123 La Liga appearances, scoring 68 goals and registering 38 assists with the club.

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu to Catalunya Radio: “Neymar has left our club and there are no plans to bring him back to Barcelona.” That’s clear? pic.twitter.com/k2fnhhMbpi

— Kristof Terreur 📰 (@HLNinEngeland) October 22, 2018

However, after the 2016/17 season, Neymar left the club to join Paris Saint Germain in a world record transfer fee. During the transfer window this season, the Brazilian star was linked with a move to Real Madrid, but no substantial bid was placed by the club.

Neymar For Barcelona in LaLiga:

👕 123 games
⚽ 68 goals
🎯 38 assists
🏆 2 titles

The return is off the cards. 🃏 https://t.co/nqQ3Un3E3C

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 22, 2018

Now, Barcelona have issued a statement on Neymar rumors, where they have categorically denied making an attempt to re-sign the Brazilian forward. In a short statement, Bartomeu stated that the club won’t bid for Neymar.

Marqui:“I wish RM and Barça the best of luck trying to take Neymar away from here.People know what Nasser is like and how he feels about the club’s top players.Ney’s happy here. You see that just by watching him on the pitch.He’s even denied the rumours himself on social media.” pic.twitter.com/Q7MGLRu5SO

— Kate (@Kate77NG) October 21, 2018

“He left and there are no plans to bring him back,” Bartomeu said. “We don’t expect him to return.”

He loves PSG. He has ambitions to win UCL for PSG, He’s working hard for that. If he wanted to be safe and stress free he could have stayed in Barcelona. That’s not Neymar. *Ambition*, *Challenges* and *Goals* he had for the team and for himself are more important than MONEY. pic.twitter.com/T02YqkJxnY

— Yash (@yashnjr) October 20, 2018

What next?

Neymar has been the main man for PSG this season, scoring 8 league goals in 8 games. He has scored 11 goals across all competitions for the French side so far.