Ancelotti seeks Lula’s verdict on Neymar return

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has revealed that newly appointed coach Carlo Ancelotti directly sought his opinion on whether Neymar should return to the national team.

Speaking to TV 247 on Tuesday, Lula said the Italian tactician raised the issue in a candid exchange. “Ancelotti asked me: ‘Do you think Neymar should be called up?’” he disclosed.

Lula responded by stressing fitness and merit over reputation. “If he’s physically prepared, he has the footballing ability,” the president said, underlining that selection must be earned on the pitch.

He further insisted the forward’s mindset would be decisive. “We need to know if he wants to. If he wants to, he has to be professional,” Lula added.

Despite backing Neymar’s potential, Lula warned against complacency. “He’s still young. But he can’t rely on his name alone — he has to rely on his football skills.”

Drawing comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Lula concluded that only consistent excellence would secure a recall.