Source: Daily_Mail
Neymar has no regrets about knocking back Chelsea
Santos wonderkid Neymar insists he was right to turn down Chelsea and is encouraging other Brazilian prospects to follow his example. [LNB]Sources close to the 18-year-old made it clear that a move to Stamford Bridge was on hold rather than permanently off the agenda when he rejected Chelsea to sign a new contract with Santos in August. [LNB]But the skillful forward looks no closer to a move to England as he talked up his growth from a virtual unknown 12 months ago to the household name he is today. [LNB] Home comforts: Neymar is glad he stayed in his native Brazil with Santos[LNB]'Saying no to a move to Europe and choosing to stay at Santos was a good experience for me,' said Neymar. 'It was tough making that decision, but I don't regret it. [LNB]'I think that my family and I made the right choice and I'm very happy to have done so. [LNB]'Maybe young players will follow that example and start putting more weight in staying at a Brazilian club for a bit longer.' [LNB]Santos want to keep their often troublesome No 11 for an assault on the Copa Libertadores - South America's biggest club competition - in 2011. [LNB]They have recently signed former Manchester City midfielder Elano from Galatasaray, hope to snatch midfielder Lucas from Liverpool and haven't ruled out an overly ambitious bid to once again re-sign Robinho, who is now settled at AC Milan. [LNB]While Chelsea had a £25million bid knocked back in the summer, Neymar's release clause is now £37m and his reputation has been further enhanced by picking up the striker of the year award for Brazil's top division on Monday night. [LNB]'I've had a lot to celebrate this year,' he said. 'I've come on from being the Neymar I was last year, by turning promise and potential into reality. [LNB]'I think I've come on in every area: my style of play, my strength. I experienced a number of situations this year that have really helped, not just on the pitch but off it too.' [LNB] Dunga tells Neymar: Forget Chelsea and join Juventus to boost your gameChelsea on alert as summer target Neymar goes off the rails with SantosFinally, it's good news for Carlo: Lampard to return for crunch derbyAnelka slams French racists, claiming he has had ' nothing but trouble'CHELSEA FC
