‘I’m training even harder to compensate for the lack of games: PSG star Neymar insists he will be ready for football’s return with French side still hopeful over Champions League after Ligue 1 cancellation
- Neymar says he is training harder than ever to be ready for football’s return
- The French season was cancelled in April with PSG crowned champions
- But the club remain in the Champions League which UEFA want to complete
- The Bundesliga is the first league to resume and other remain keen to finish
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar says he is training even harder than normal in order to be ready should his side be able to finish their Champions League campaign.
Football in France was suspended in March following the outbreak of coronavirus and the decision was made to cancel the Ligue 1 season and award PSG the title in April.
But UEFA are still hopeful the Champions League can be concluded this year with PSG having progressed to the quarter-finals after beating Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar says he is training even harder in order to be ready to return
The striker said he is pushing himself with more workouts to compensate for a lack of games
If the competition can be completed then some clubs may have the advantage of extra match fitness. The Bundesliga are resuming fixtures this weekend and LaLiga, the Premier League and Serie A also remain keen to finish their domestic leagues.
But Neymar insists he will be ready for when his side are allowed to return to action.
‘The aim is to be ready for when they signal the return of club activities, so I can be in the best possible condition,’ the 28-year-old said.
The French football season was cancelled in April and PSG were crowned Ligue 1 champions
The club are hopeful over the Champions League with UEFA aiming to finish the competition
‘I’m here, training hard, with the same rhythm and frequency that I would with the club. Training even harder actually, with more activities to compensate for the lack of games.
‘Of course I miss the competition, but fitness coach Ricardo Rosa set up a programme that I have been following to the letter.’
The striker has been keeping fans updated of his progress in lockdown with a series of training posts on his Instagram account.
The Brazilian has updated fans on his training but admitted he has struggled without football
But he admitted last month that he has struggled with the uncertainty surrounding football’s return.
‘Not knowing when I can return [to play] gives me anxiety,’ Neymar wrote on his website.
‘I really miss playing, competing, to be in the club environment with my PSG teammates.
‘I really miss football. I’m sure the fans also wants to see everyone back on the pitch as soon as possible. I hope the decision comes out as soon as possible.