Neymar laughed off controversy over reports he was throwing a mega New Year\u2019s party for 500 guests, posting a video online of preparations for what he called a \u201clow-key dinner\u201d with family and friends.<\/p>\n
The superstar footballer has faced a flood of criticism in his native Brazil and beyond over reports that despite the coronavirus pandemic he was ringing in 2021 with a week-long bash for hundreds of people at his mansion outside Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n
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However, he took to Instagram several hours before midnight to show his New Year’s Eve plans, which he described as small-scale.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker posted a video of a dinner table that appeared to be for about 40 guests, decked out with white flowers and an empty chair between each place setting.<\/p>\n
“Marvellous decoration for this beautiful, low-key little dinner at home, with social distancing,” he said.<\/p>\n
“And it’s not for 500 people, OK?” he added with a laugh.<\/p>\n
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Neymar laughed off the claims.Source:Instagram<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Place settings for much less than 500 people for his New Years bash.Source:Instagram<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n “Social distancing. Everyone tested,” he wrote in a caption.<\/p>\n Earlier, he posted videos of himself and his nine-year-old son getting what he called his “50th test” for the new coronavirus.<\/p>\n Neymar, who hasn’t played since injuring his ankle against Lyon on December 13, had previously avoided commenting on reports about his supposed party in the seaside town of Mangaratiba.<\/p>\n Rio de Janeiro state prosecutors have opened an investigation into the reports.<\/p>\n They said Neymar denied on Thursday hosting any party in Mangaratiba, according to news site G1.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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