Neymar ‘must ask for Barcelona forgiveness’ to seal transfer return after legal action, says presidential candidate

BARCELONA presidential candidate Jordi Farre says Neymar is welcome to return to the Nou Camp - but first he must "ask for forgiveness".

The Brazilian superstar left the Nou Camp under a cloud three years ago when he sealed a world-record £200million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar's relationship with his former club has been further muddied by legal battles over alleged unpaid loyalty bonuses.

That has not stopped the 28-year-old being heavily linked with a return, however.

And Farre claims Neymar could be on the way back as long as he shows some humility.

He told : "Neymar will be welcome but the first thing he has to do is withdraw his demands and ask for forgiveness.

"We have spoken to his people and they have told us about 'going home'. Who doesn't want the third-best player in the world on their team?

"There is an option of a transfer request, which would see him come for €40-45m (£37-41m)."

Neymar has 18 months left to run on his contract at PSG and reports in France last month claimed he was set to sign a bumper extension.

Barcelona's interest in re-signing Neymar comes amid major doubts over Lionel Messi's future after he demanded a departure last summer.

Messi becomes a free agent at the end of this season but Farre is confident of keeping the Nou Camp idol despite the club's financial woes.

He added: "Messi and Neymar can play together at Barca next year. I am sure Messi does not want to leave.

"I have talked to his people and, while we have not made any progress, he has told me he wants to stay. But he wants to be part of a winning project.

"My proposal to him is that he renews year after year, then we create a joint brand between Messi and Barca, and that he goes on to become the club's honorary president.

"But he will have to adapt to the current conditions of the club."