Neymar wanted to leave PSG before Copa: Tuchel

Paris Saint Germain coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that he had known before the Copa America tournament that Neymar had wanted to leave the French club.

“I am always disappointed when a player turns up late. But it is clear between us, now it is between the club and Ney. We work together," Tuchel told RMC.

"Did I know he wanted to leave? Yes, I found out before the Copa America. But it is something between the club and Ney.

"I am the coach, it's my player. If he is in the locker room, this is my player and I work with him.

"I'm ready for everything. We have to be flexible. I do not talk about it with him. I'm calm, it's a thing for the club. I do not interfere, it's not my subject."

Neymar reported for preseason training on Monday and with the club heading to China for continue their preseason tour, Tuchel reiterated that he is counting on Neymar to join them.

"Yes, [I have spoken with him] but only 'welcome and good work'. It's an uncertainty but it's always like that, we work with him, if he's there, he's there," he said.

He added: "I think [Neymar could join the team for the China trip]. He came back [Monday] and, like every player, he has two days of testing.

"It is intensive but necessary. The others worked for a week to be ready to play, it's the same for Ney. "