体坛英语新闻：Deco denies Neymar criticism

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Former Portugal international midfielder Deco has apologized to Neymar after being quoted saying he did not like the striker.

In an interview with a Brazilian radio station on Wednesday, Deco was reported saying: "I don't like him as a person. As a footballer, I admire him. He is a star."

On Thursday, the 35-year-old sought to defuse the situation after the comments made headlines on the sports pages of Brazil's major newspapers.

"I was in a rush to leave and the journalist asked me if I thought Neymar should play in Europe," the Fluminense star told O Globo.

"I said I didn't have an opinion and that it depends on what he would like personally. I'm not sure how, but the impression was that I said I don't like him as a person. If you analyze the context it's clear that I didn't say that. To the contrary I really like the guy."

Deco revealed he "didn't sleep" after receiving phone calls on Wednesday night from friends surprised at his alleged comments.

The former Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea star said he had contacted Fluminense teammate Fred, who plays with Neymar in Brazil's national team, to ask for the 21-year-old's phone number.

"I called him and said, 'Ney, I'm sorry. It was a misunderstanding'," Deco said.

"Everything is fine now. My worry was that he was going to believe what the press wrote. I hope not. There is no problem between us. Neymar knows me and I have known his father since 2010.

"I would never say that. It's totally against what I think. He is a great guy. If I had said it, I would accept it without a problem. But just take a look at my record. Have I ever given a personal opinion about anyone?"