Words from Neymar's father, Neymar Sr., "leave little room for doubt," according to Manuel Salinero of AS. Neymar Sr. said, "How can we extend the contract with Barcelona if we don't have legal protection that gives us the assurance we need to keep working?" He analyzed the "legal problems" that he and his son "have been immersed in since he signed for Barcelona from Santos." Essential conditions that were singled out included "legal and tax security." Despite indicating that his son is "happy" at Barcelona, he warned that a contract extension "was not a done deal." Neymar Sr.: "We have three years left on the current deal. We, I mean, the family, are feeling very insecure [about the complex situation with the tax man and ensuing legal proceedings], and that affects our plans for the future. We need all this to be over. How can we extend something if we don't have any tax security or legal protection? What is happening here? Spain has to tell me if my companies can work with Neymar Jr; they have to define what their position is" (AS, 10/19).
