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Brazil sensation Neymar who moved to Barcelona in 2013, says he is open to renewing his contract with the club despite having three years left on his contract. The Brazilian captain moved to the Camp Nou in a controversial deal couple of seasons back, that is still being investigated by a Spanish court. The former Santos player, his father, and several club officials could face serious repercussions if found guilty.
The player’s current contract is set to expire in 2018, but the club is willing to give the player a pay rise amidst interest from several top European clubs. One of the clubs who seem intent on getting the 23-year old is rumoured to be English giants Manchester United.
Neymar’s father though is not keen on discussing a new contract yet, and the player reiterated on the point when he himself said he wanted to focus on his game and winning trophies for his team rather than discussing about a contract at this point in time.
"I am very happy at Barca, and in Barcelona, where I have settled very well," Neymar said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. "I have three more years left on my contract, and my father looks after these things. My only concern at the moment is to be focused on helping the team and to keep winning trophies at Barca."
When asked about his thoughts on a new deal, he added: "Of course, but that is something we will talk about further down the line."
Neymar might share the podium with Messi and Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or
The player who was integral in Barcelona’s treble-winning season was open to the idea of sharing the podium with his teammate Lionel Messi, and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2015 Ballon d’Or.
"I am very happy to be on the list again," he said. "I hope to do my work, to help my teammates with goals, to keep progressing. Of course I want to be among the top three that would be good for me."
The former Santos player though feels that Messi will be the one to take home the trophy this year as well, and said he is in no hurry to take over the title of being the world’s best from the Argentine.
"He is the big favourite," he said. "This year the Ballon d'Or is reserved for Messi, the best player in the world is already decided. For all he has done, Leo deserves it. I hope to keep playing alongside Messi, who is the best and an idol for me. And if I learn a lot from the best, maybe some day I can win it."
Neymar not intimidated by having to fill gap left by Messi
With Messi sidelined till November the pressure falls on the Brazilian and his teammate Luis Suarez to carry forward the team’s attack, and Neymar said the pressure does not frighten him although it will be a difficult task to fill the four-time Ballon d’Or winner’s boots.
"Since I was a kid I have taken responsibility, with Santos, with Brazil... but here it is different, we know our responsibility, what to do on the pitch," he said. "I will do everything to help my teammates. The challenge does not frighten me at all, although I know it is difficult."
