Neymar terms his handshake withdrawal a ‘joke’ after Paris Saint-Germain win

Neymar held out his hand to seemingly help Hamari Traore – who was on the floor – only to pull away as the Rennes defender held out his in appreciation. “They beat me and I play football. They provoke but I also know how to provoke in my own way, with the ball, with my football. I'm not here to hit, I do not know how to do that. I'm defending myself with the ball,” Neymar said.

“People will say that I am a good player and that I provoke a lot, but for me it is normal. I know people will talk about that but they have to put themselves in my shoes. It's no good for defenders to provoke me because I'm going to provoke even more. And I will win with my team.”

On the withdrawn handshake, Neymar added: “I made a joke in the end by presenting my hand and removing it at the last moment and it will create controversy when it's the kind of thing I do with my friends. Why will not I do it with my opponents? I'm kidding, it's a joke (Video credit: Perform).”