Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The man who once called Neymar "a monster" after witnessing him sulk when told he wouldn’t take a penalty, has defended the Brazilian following his weekend bust-up with Edinson Cavani.

In 2010, Neymar became embroiled in a row with then-Santos coach Dorival Junior when, after winning a spot-kick, he was told a more experienced player would take it.

Neymar verbally abused his coach - who would later be sacked as their row took a further turn for the worse - while Atletico Goianiense coach Rene Simoes blasted the then teenage forward.

“We’re creating a monster in Brazilian football” declared Simoes after witnessing that incident. But now, the 64-year-old has turned out in defence of Neymar.

(Image: AFP) (Image: Getty)

"I believe someone promised him that he could be the best in the world [with PSG]," he told Goal. "And the best in the world does the same as Cristiano Ronaldo! From the corner kick to the header, penalty, free-kicks -everything. The same happens with Messi. I believe they promised him to be responsible for everything.”

The bust-up continued post-game with harsh words spoken between the pair and Cavani leaving the Parc des Princes through a back door just 20 minutes after the whistle blew on the 2-0 win over Lyon.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

According to Simoes, PSG boss Unai Emery must shoulder his share of responsibility.

"The manager has to decide. If he decided it was Cavani [the penalty taker], then Neymar is to blame. If he chose Neymar, Cavani is to blame.

"And if he did not choose, he [Unai Emery] is to blame for what happened."

Neymar joined PSG in a £200million move from Barcelona in the summer and had made an exceptional start to his career in Paris, alongside Cavani and Kylian Mbappe as part of the club's new strike trio.