Report: Neymar Rejects Chelsea's Offer

A few days back, it was reported in almost all the popular newspapers that Santos starlet Neymar had agreed to join Premier League champions Chelsea. Apparently that’s not the case. Chelsea tried hard to lure this talented youngster to Stamford Bridge but he has finally decided to concentrate on his ongoing development and stay loyal to his club. Santos has quadrupled Neymar's wages to £55,000 a week to stave off Chelsea. It is a stinging snub for Blues boss Carlos Ancelotti, a keen admirer of the striker who has agreed a new five-year deal with the Brazilians.

Globoesporte reported that the deal was confirmed on Thursday in a meeting held at the club headquarters, with Neymar, agent Wagner Ribeiro and the Santos president Luis Alvaro Oliveira the only parties present.

The striker said: "I spoke with my dad a lot and I decided to stay. Money itself doesn't bring happiness. I am happy here at Santos and I want to go on being happy here."

Santos president Luiz Alvaro too was content with the outcome of the meeting and said: "Chelsea refused to pay the release clause. The fact we have kept this boy shows Brazilian clubs are no longer hostages to Europe."

There was a lot of debate on this issue in Brazil in the past few days. While Neymar was still contemplating his future, former players and legends of this great football nation were voicing their opinions on his possible move to England. The general consensus was that the youngster should not be looking at a move to Europe at such an early stage of his career. 

Brazil fans expect Neymar to be a key part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup that will be held in their backyard.