DBasia.news – Xavi Simons thinks that Neymar Jr. as a father figure to him at Paris Saint-Germain and admits he is very often helped by the Brazilian star.
Xavi Simons studied at the Barcelona academy before Neymar Jr. moved from Camp Nou to Parc des Princes in 2017.
He followed in the Brazilian’s footsteps when he left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and is delighted to be back in the same team as his senior.
Simons has made five appearances for the PSG senior team this season. Meanwhile, Neymar has only featured in 15 Ligue 1 games this season due to ankle and groin injuries and so far he has scored five goals and provided three assists.
“I think he saw me like a little brother. He saw me growing up when I was at Barca. I also did an advertisement with him at that time,” Simons told NOS.
“I see him like a father. He often came to ask if I needed anything or if I needed to know something. He is also a very good person off the pitch. A very nice person and that is also important.”
Simons, who is the son of former Netherlands striker Regillio, is currently on international duty with the Netherlands Under-19 team. He and Neymar have the chance to play together for the first time when PSG take on FC Lorient in Ligue 1 on April 3.