Neymar begs Ganso to stay at Santos

Rio De Janeiro - Brazilian star Neymar has pleaded with national and club teammate Paulo Henrique Ganso to remain at Santos, local media reported.

Ganso’s agent Delcir Sonda claimed earlier this month that the 22-year-old had played his last game for the Brazilian top-flight outfit after talks broke down over a new contract, reports Xinhua.

“He hasn’t told me yet if he is going to leave but everyone wants to have someone like him in the team,” Neymar told Lancenet.

“I don’t know much about what is happening. But I ask him not to abandon me and I really hope he doesn’t leave.”

Ganso has reportedly attracted the interest of AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. Neymar also denied reports he had already signed with Barcelona for a 60-million-euro transfer fee.

“I have had to repeat for three years that I will stay at Santos. Everyone knows that I will stay until 2014.”

Neymar and Ganso are currently in London with Brazil’s Olympic squad. Both are expected to feature in Friday’s friendly against Britain at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.