(Sao Paulo) Well-known striker Neymar reiterated on Saturday his support for far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of the second round of presidential elections in Brazil on October 30, and promised to dedicate his “first goal” to him in the World Cup in the event of re-election.
Posted at 8:47 p.m.
“First goal: with two hands”, launched Neymar in reference to “22”, the number that voters must indicate to vote Bolsonaro, which he would mimic with his fingers to celebrate his first goal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (from November 20 to December 18), during which Brazil enters the competition on November 24 against Serbia.
“The Cup is near. It would be really wonderful, Bolsonaro re-elected, Brazil champion and everyone happy, ”said the number 10 of the Seleçao during an online transmission with the outgoing president, campaigning in Sao Paulo.
“Ney” had already given his support to Jair Bolsonaro before the first round on October 2, support rare among footballers, who have mostly remained silent.
Neymar and Jair Bolsonaro conversed for more than half an hour, in a relaxed tone, but the Paris SG player became more serious in justifying his public support, saying that “the values that the president represents are similar” to those of his family and him.
He also said it was a gesture of thanks to the president who had publicly supported him “in the most difficult time” of his life. If he did not specify what it was, in 2019, the star was accused of rape and Mr. Bolsonaro said he was convinced of his innocence. The case has been closed.
Lula had offered another reading of this support on YouTube on Tuesday. “I think he’s afraid that if I win the election, I’ll find out what Bolsonaro forgave him (about) his income tax debt,” said the left-leaning candidate, laughing.
“It is obvious that Bolsonaro has made an agreement with the father” of Neymar, added the ex-president (2003-2010), referring to the favorable decisions that the player obtained in a case of tax evasion in Brazil.
In a statement posted online, the attacker’s family dismissed the “false” reports, adding: “Officials will have to prove otherwise in the appropriate forums.”