PSG striker Neymar thanked Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday for supporting him in the "most difficult" moment of his life. Neymar also said that this was one of the reasons to support his re-election.
"I position myself and never say it, but in the most difficult times of my life, the president was the first person to publicly say he would be by my side," the superstar opened a 22-hour YouTube broadcast program with Bolsonaro.
"Without knowing us personally, (Bolsonaro) showed affection and put his chest and face forward to believe in me and now I do the same."
Without specifying which moment in his life he meant, Neymar reaffirmed his support for Bolsonaro's candidacy, which on October 30 will compete in the second round of elections against former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
In 2019, Bolsonaro publicly defended Neymar when the footballer was accused of raping a Brazilian model at a hotel in the French capital, in a case suspended due to lack of evidence.
Neymar asked other community leaders who chose Bolsonaro to support him openly in front of his supporters.
"Bolsonaro is the right person to lead Brazil and we saw what he was doing and what he could still improve," Neymar added.
"I ask young people to follow their parents' hearts and do what they have to do for Brazil.
"What motivates me to expose myself - in expressing my support for Bolsonaro - are the values praised by the president: family and freedom.
"That's why I call everyone who wants to take a stand and have the freedom to express their feelings."
Other stars who also praised and supported Bolsonaro include Ronaldinho Gaucho, Felipe Melo, Rivaldo, Romario, Lucas Moura, Robinho, Renato Gaucho and 'King' futsal Falcao.
"It's about facing and not afraid to fight," Neymar continued.
"I believe in the President, he is the right person to lead our Brazil, we see improvements in everything he does, we hope our President will be re-elected. Select 22," he added, referring to voters having to go into electronic ballot boxes to elect the current president.
Neymar then promised to make a '22' gesture with his finger to celebrate his first goal at the World Cup.
"With Bolsonaro re-electing and Brazil champions (at the Qatar 2022 World Cup) everyone will be happy. The feeling of using our flag and color is a very great pride."
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro thanked Neymar for his support and "team", which, in turn, stated that as a child, before joining Santos' sub-division, he was a Palmeiras fan of his favorite team.
"Superlive of Freedom", where artists, sportsmen, and politicians who support Bolsonaro participate for 22 consecutive hours, will end on Sunday with popular singers from the genre and Nejo Gusttavo Lima, one of the most successful both in the public and in terms of sales.
Lula won the first round on October 2 with 48.4 percent of the vote against 43.2 percent for Bolsonaro.
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