Neymar spotted on mobility scooter as Santos fear he may not see out his contract

There is concern over the status of Neymar after Brazil’s World Cup exit.

The country’s all-time top scorer was called up injured and missed Brazil’s first two games.

He featured against Scotland before being benched against Japan, and then playing a late cameo against Norway.

Despite scoring a penalty, Brazil were still knocked out, and it marked Neymar’s final World Cup appearance.

What happens next for the 34-year-old is anyone’s guess, as he remains contracted with Santos until the end of the season in December.

Yet fears have sparked that he may not return, after he was spotted on a mobility scooter at Universal Studios.

Santos have granted him a holiday with his family before his planned return on July 17th.

Mixed messages over Neymar staying at Santos

O Globo say the team trust his return, but there are doubts as he’s still owed money from last season.

They add that he’s owed £13million in image rights and has agreed to extend payments until 2030 out of goodwill.

And some at the club worry that he may retire from football altogether after his final World Cup dream was scuppered.

Should he not want to continue at Santos, it’s unlikely Neymar will seek another pay-day, having already done so in miserable fashion with Al Hilal.

Santos, meanwhile, narrowly avoided relegation last season, and they aren’t much better this term.

Neymar has also repeatedly clashed with fans and the media during the current campaign, suggesting he’s not exactly enjoying his homecoming.

There is still the possibility of an MLS switch further away from the spotlight, with FC Cincinnati having an interest.

Santos also think they have a shot at a title this season, the Copa Sudamericana, the South American equivalent of the Europa League.

However, O Globo add that sources have said the player is ‘fed up’ of the media criticism he gets and his repeated injury troubles.

On top of all of those doubts, his father’s post-World Cup statement seems to suggest some retirement fears.

In a section of a lengthy statement, he wrote: “I want to make a fatherly request of you.

“Son, continue playing football. Rediscover the joy of having the ball at your feet.

“Rediscover the smile on the field. Today you are healthy.”