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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Neymar could have played in CWC</li><li>Fluminense wanted to sign forward</li><li>Opted against move to recover physically</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Santos superstar Neymar reveals he came 'very close' to joining Thiago Silva at Fluminense for Club World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup

Fluminense

Al Hilal

Serie A

Santos FC

Palmeiras

<p>Neymar has confirmed that Fluminense attempted to sign him on a short-term deal so that he could play in the Club World Cup. However, the 33-year-old opted against making the move as he continues building his fitness back up. The Brazil superstar has made just one start for Santos since missing five games with a hamstring injury, and is focused on getting back in top condition for the time being.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Fluminense approached Santos over a potential short-term deal that could have seen Neymar link up with former Brazil team-mate Thiago Silva, but he is focused on returning to consistent action with Santos. He has only managed four league appearances this season and was sent off in the most recent, against Botafogo.</p><p></p><div data-name="DAZN" class="affiliate-button-container theme-1"><div class="affiliate-button"><img height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2a657c326f3152f3/65709dfdfcc91a04075bd960/DAZN.png" style="width: 72;height: 40;" class="logo"><span class="affiliate-text">Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN</span></div><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100lfsPh/destination:https://www.dazn.com/welcome/fifa-club-world-cup" target="_blank" class="affiliate-button-link">Stream now</a></div><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Neymar <a href="https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/santos/artigo/_/id/15323427/neymar-diz-ficou-bem-perto-jogar-mundial-fluminense-explica-por-que-nao-aceitou-oferta" target="_blank">said</a>: "I'm in good physical shape. We had these conversations with some teams to play in the World Cup, Fluminense was something that came very close to happening, but I preferred to stay to train a little more.</p><p>"I'm 100% physically, but I need to get better to be able to come back in good shape."</p>

WHAT NEYMAR SAID

<p>Santos play Flamengo on July 17. In the meantime, Fluminense face Ulsan on Saturday in their second Club World Cup game, having drawn 0-0 with Borussia Dortmund in their opener. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

Santos superstar Neymar reveals he came 'very close' to joining Thiago Silva at Fluminense for Club World Cup | Goal.com

Neymar has revealed that he almost joined Fluminense to play in the Club World Cup, but opted to stay at Santos as he bids to build up his fitness.

Santos superstar Neymar reveals he came &apos;very close&apos; to joining Thiago Silva at Fluminense for Club World Cup

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