Rabat – Santos forward Neymar has apologized to teammate Robinho Jr following an altercation at the club’s training ground last weekend.
The club confirmed it was looking into a dispute between Neymar, 34, and Robinho Jr, 18, at the Rei Pele Training Centre.
Local media reported that the clash was quickly addressed, with Neymar offering an apology both to the player and his family.
Robinho Jr, son of Neymar’s former Brazil teammate Robinho, told reporters the matter was resolved and described the situation as “blown out of proportion.”
After scoring Santos’ only goal in a 1‑1 draw against Recoleta in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, Neymar embraced Robinho Jr on the sidelines.
Speaking afterwards, Neymar admitted his reaction in training “went a little too far.”
“Right after it happened, we apologized; we talked in the locker room and sorted things out,” he explained, citing his special fondness for the teenager and comparing the incident to arguments that can happen between friends or brothers in football.
‘Everyone makes mistakes.’
Robinho Jr confirmed he accepted Neymar’s apology and would withdraw any complaint. “It’s normal, everyone makes mistakes. I’m a human being like all of us; I could have made a mistake too,” he said.
Neymar acknowledged that the situation received extra attention because of the spotlight on him in Brazil.
He noted that disputes, even involving “fights, slaps,” are part of the game and often happen in competitive environments.
The forward returned to action in February after knee surgery in December. He has scored five goals and provided three assists in 12 matches this season.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said Neymar must continue proving his fitness to be considered for next month’s World Cup squad.
