Mestre confident over Neymar’s Barca future

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre has reiterated that the club has no intention of parting company with Brazil superstar Neymar.

The forward is without a goal in his past five club matches, during which time Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga has collapsed due to three consecutive defeats.

Atletico Madrid have also dumped the soon-to-be deposed European champions out of the Champions League and Neymar’s form has come in for criticism.

The 24-year-old was involved in an altercation with Valencia defender Antonio Barragan after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou and he is currently embroiled in a club versus country row due to Brazil’s desire for him to play in both the forthcoming Copa America Centenario and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Neymar is also yet to pen a new contract with Barcelona following months of speculation but Mestre is relaxed over the situation.

On whether Neymar could leave Camp Nou, he said: “Absolutely not. I’ve said it many times, but it’s something which keeps coming up.

“I have said it actively and passively. We are delighted with Neymar and he is not for sale – it’s not even crossed our minds.

“He’s a player who made an economical effort turned down better offers when he signed. He came because he wanted to play good football, with Lionel Messi and company, and to win titles.

“But the most important thing is how the club is with him and how he is with the club.

“I see him looking happy and integrated into the city and totally committed to the club. I’m sure we will reach an agreement.”