Neymar hopeful on Barca contract renewal

BARCELONA: Barcelona forward Neymar has said he is optimistic about signing a new contract but did not rule out an exit amid links with Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Both Neymar and Barca have been openly discussing the prospect of a contract extension for several months but as yet no deal has been agreed.

Speaking as he arrived back in Barcelona on Sunday, the 23-year-old told reporters: “We’re talking about a renewal right now.”

Asked if he was optimistic, he said: “Yes, of course.”

Neymar has also been linked with a number of high-profile clubs, with his father saying Manchester United made an offer over the summer and Real Madrid — who lost the battle to sign the Brazil international from Santos in 2013 — said to retain an interest.

Asked about the City links, Neymar responded by saying, “Yes, yes,” but asked if he would join Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, he replied: “No, not that.”

However, when asked if he would rule out an exit, he said: “I don’t know, life is long.”

Pressed on whether he would rule out an immediate exit, he said: “I don’t know either.”

Nonetheless, Neymar — who confirmed he is “fine” after playing in the Club World Cup final following a groin strain — is hoping for another successful campaign under Luis Enrique.

Barca won La Liga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2015 and Neymar hopes to go one better in 2016.

“I hope we can do it again next year — and even add one more, the sixth,” he said.

Neymar also thanked former Barcelona star Ronaldinho after he described him as his heir.

“Ronnie is one of the greats, a star,” he said. “He is the best Brazilian player to have passed through Barcelona.”