June 18 – Brazilian star Neymar has confirmed that Fluminense approached him with a short-term offer to join the club for the Club World Cup.
Neymar is one of the stars absent from FIFA’s club extravaganza in the United States. The 33-year-old declined the move as he continues working on regaining full fitness. Neymar has made just one start for Santos after missing five matches due to a hamstring injury.
“I’m in good physical shape. We had these conversations with some teams to play in the World Cup, Fluminense was something that came very close to happening, but I preferred to stay to train a little more,” said Neymar.
“I’m 100% physically, but I need to get better to be able to come back in good shape.”
Fluminense approached Santos over a potential short-term deal that could have seen Neymar link up with former Brazil team-mate Thiago Silva. At Santos, under manager Cleber Xavier, Neymar, in twilight of his career, has struggled. He was recently sent off in a league tie agains Botafogo.
Fluminense, meanwhile, got their Club World Cup campaign underway on Tuesday with a goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Neymar’s former club Al Hilal kick off their tournament against Real Madrid today. The Brazilian returned home after a two-season spell in Riyadh that was blighted by injury. His aim is to feature for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup.
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