Santos coach urges Neymar to leave

Santos boss Muricy Ramalho has caused a great deal of controversy by advising star player Neymar to leave the club as soon as possible.

The Brazil international was sent off in weekend’s 1-1 draw with Gremio, thus earning his fourth red card of the career.

Santos boss Muricy Ramalho blamed the referee for failing to protect the 20-year-old forward.

“He copped a pounding today – first a whack in the ankle and then a hit from (his opponent) Para who was his teammate at Santos,” Ramalho told reporters at a press conference after the Gremio game.

“The referee wanted to be the center of attention. It is happening too often.”

The Brazilian coach then surprised everyone by claiming that he would advise Neymar to leave if the player asked him for an advice on his career.

“What good will be done by Neymar staying? If he comes to me and asks what he should do, I will tell him that he has to leave.”

Neymar has been heavily linked with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Catalans believed to be leading the race for his signature.

The talented forward has been in amazing form this season, scoring 28 goals in 26 league matches, while bagging another 5 goals in 8 games for the Brazil national team.