 "Neymar Jr was in tears after Santos suffered a humiliating 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian Serie A. Reuters")
Neymar Jr’s high-profile return to Santos hardly appears to have improved his boyhood club’s fortunes as they face relegation from the Brazilian Serie A following a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Vasco da Gama on Monday, the defeat leaving the veteran attacking midfielder in tears and resulting in the sacking of head coach Cléber Xavier.
Neymar, who returned to Santos in January this year after terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, admitted he was “ashamed” with what he has described as one of his worst days on the football field. The lopsided thrashing has left the eight-time champions two points above the relegation zone.
“I’m ashamed,” Neymar told reporters after the defeat. “I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence. But if they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right. To sum up our attitude on the field, it was terrible.”
“I’ve never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way,” added the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
Ex-Liverpool and Barca midfielder Philippe Coutinho had found the net twice in the second half during Vasco da Gama’s goal-fest.
Despite the thumping victory, Vasco also find themselves in danger of getting relegated as they continue to trail Santos, a club that counts the legendary Pele among its former players, by two points.
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Neymar’s eldest son sends heartfelt message after defeat
Neymar’s eldest son David Lucca, meanwhile, tried to cheer the Brazilian star up with a series of heartfelt messages after the crushing loss.
“Good evening, dad. I know today was a tough day for you and for us, but I wanted you to know that in these difficult moments, and when no one else is by your side, know that I will always be there for you,” Lucca wrote in a series of messages to his father, reportedly on Whatsapp.
“You’re more than just a great father, you’re my idol, you’re my inspiration, and even when you cry, I want you to know that I love you very much. Always keep that in mind. (…) Now, I want you to keep your head up and reach out your hand to them as you always have and always will. You are incredible. I love you with all my heart,” he added.