Neymar charters luxury jet for Santos match

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 16 (IANS) Brazilian football star Neymar chartered his own private jet from Sweden in a bold bid to play for Santos against Figueirense in Brazil`s Serie A championship Thursday.

Neymar played in Brazil`s 3-0 friendly victory over Sweden in Stockholm Wednesday before boarding a direct 14-hour flight to the southern Brazilian city of Florianopolis, The decision to charter the flight was made at the behest of the 20-year-old, who also insisted on paying for his travel expenses, according to Santos officials. "He wants to play and will join the Santos team Thursday before a decision is made," Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues said. "What makes him different is that it was Neymar himself who asked to make the trip. He wants to play." Neymar posted a photo on his Twitter account relaxing inside the luxury jet Wednesday night. IANS