Neymar back for PSG after Barca transfer saga
SHOWS: PARIS, FRANCE (SEPTEMBER 13, 2019) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL)
1. (SOUNDBITE) (French and English) THOMAS TUCHEL, ASKED ABOUT WHAT HE WOULD DO TO ENTICE NEYMAR TO PLAY AT PSG INSTEAD OF BARCELONA:
"I think, as I said before, if we talk about all the things that Neymar has said, that his father or mother said, that Barcelona has said, we're going to lose our minds. It's impossible. And for that, it's the best case now, things have been decided. (In English) I don't know but I'm not a person. I don't even know the word in English. It's not about what he said two weeks ago, three weeks ago, look back, no. (In French) I want to move forward and make decisions now. I think he will regain his smile, and then, we shall see."
STORY: Neymar is available to play for Paris St Germain after being left out of their squad as negotiations took place over a potential return to Barcelona, coach Thomas Tuchel said on Friday (September 13).
The Brazilian is likely to make his first appearance of the season for the Ligue 1 leaders at home against Racing Strasbourg on Saturday.
Barca spent the bulk of the close season negotiating with PSG to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou, two years after he left for a world record 222 million euros ($245 million) but the Catalans failed to strike a deal with the Ligue 1 champions.
Tuchel told a news conference that all players were available except Thilo Kehrer, Julian Draxler, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe.
Neymar is likely to get a cold reception from the Parc des Princes crowd after saying during the summer that his best memory as a footballer was PSG's humiliating 6-1 defeat by Barca at the Camp Nou in the Champions League in 2017.
PSG lead the Ligue 1 standings with nine points from four games.
They start their Champions League campaign next Wednesday with a home game against Real Madrid.
Neymar will be suspended for the match, however, for insulting match officials following the French side's elimination from the competition last season.
(Production: Antony Rickles/Andy Ragg)
