🗣️ Casemiro says Neymar should go to the World Cup if fully fit

Tipped to be Brazil’s captain at the upcoming World Cup, Casemiro was inevitably asked about Neymar.

And the Manchester United midfielder gave his opinion: if Santos’ No. 10 is in good physical condition, he must have a guaranteed spot among the 26 called up.

At first, Casemiro spoke about how close he is to Neymar and what stance the national team’s coaching staff has taken.

“It’s a very awkward topic (to talk about). I’m Neymar’s friend. I’ve played with Neymar since we were 12 years old (…). It’s very clear. At least in my opinion. Neymar doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. Ancelotti has already made the physical issue clear, whether he’ll be able to get closer (to the ideal level) physically. Talent… I don’t even need to talk about what a great player he is, what a great player he has been, and the talent he has with the ball at his feet,” he said in an interview with ESPN Brasil.

Casemiro also wrapped up by stressing the importance of Neymar reaching ideal condition by the 18th.

“The big issue is the physical side (…) If he’s physically fit, there’s no discussion. He has to go (to the World Cup), he’s the team’s main man, he’s the team’s star. The issue is that it’s also up to him to be physically fit.”