Neymar Jr could be described as one of the most severely underrated footballers around at the moment.
Although nobody has ever denied the talent that he has, there are many around the footballing world that have perhaps questioned just how good he really is.
Of course, during his time at FC Barcelona, he made a huge name for himself with his performances in Spain before sealing an even bigger payday when he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Spanish club also making a healthy amount of money from his sale.
Neymar continued to show what he brings to the Parisians with his performances against FC Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League recently, as he helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side to set up a semi-final clash with Manchester City.
And, at 29-years-old, it would seem he still has a few more years at the top. However, he is already thinking about what he is going to do when he does decide to hang up his boots.
That appears to be getting involved with poker; at least that is his new role with poker company, PokerStars, appears to suggest.
The Brazil international is a cultural ambassador for the gambling operator and has also revealed that he is interested by the idea of playing poker professionally when his footballing career comes to an end. Perhaps those that play at a UK online casino will be able to find a seat at a table with him?
“It’s true I plan to turn pro. I feel very comfortable playing poker, and think I can play in major tournaments after my football career is over,” he said.
“I began playing during the 2014 World Cup, and I have fallen in love with the game. I play poker in an aggressive fashion. My favourite hands are a pair of tens – after my shirt number – and Jack-Five.
“There are similarities between football and poker, in the ways how you read your game and your opponent, and choose when to attack. I used to play it a lot while with Barcelona, and we play often at PSG.
“I make myself hard for my opponents to read, although I play too many hands. The first time I got a pet dog I named him ‘Poker’ as I love the game so much.
“Every time I sit down to play I aim to win – whether it is with friends, online or in a tournament.”
There is no doubt that Neymar appears to have the appetite and the passion for the game, especially considering his dog is named after the playing card game, whilst he is likely to have a healthy bank balance that will certainly allow him to get involved in games that involve high stakes.
So, perhaps in the future, we will see him sitting at a poker table alongside former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder, Thomas Gravesen, as he moved to Las Vegas to play poker professionally once his football career came to an end.
