Tuchel: I knew Neymar wanted to leave PSG before Copa America

Paris, July 17: Thomas Tuchel knew Neymar wanted to leave Paris Saint-Germain before the Copa America.

Neymar, 27, reportedly wants to exit the Ligue 1 champions during the close season, two years after his world-record €222million transfer from Barcelona.

The Brazil star is reported to have again told PSG of his desire to move elsewhere on Monday, with a return to Camp Nou shaping his most likely destination, after he arrived at pre-season training later than the team expected.

Speaking after PSG's 6-1 friendly win over Dynamo Dresden on Tuesday (July 16), Tuchel said he was aware of Neymar's intentions before the Copa America, which the forward missed due to an ankle injury.

"I'm always disappointed if a player is late," Tuchel told RMC Sport.

"But it's clear between us, now it's between the club and Neymar. We work together.

"If I knew he wanted to leave? Yes, before the Copa America, but it's a thing between the club and Ney."

Kylian Mbappe scored twice and assisted two others in PSG's first pre-season friendly, while Ander Herrera set up a goal on debut.

FINAL: For a first preseason game, that was pretty great 👏 #SGDPSG

⚽️ Mbappé 6', 34'
⚽️ Draxler 18'
⚽️ Zagre 48'
⚽️ Postolachi 61'
⚽️ Aouchiche 71'@DynamoDresden 1️⃣ - 6⃣ @PSG_English

🔴🔵 #AllezParis pic.twitter.com/cynGzJ5ghW
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 16, 2019