Football
ESPN staff 8y

Gabigol 'still a Santos player' amid Juventus transfer reports

Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa says he is still a Santos player despite interest from Serie A champions Juventus.

Gabigol is set to feature for Brazil at the upcoming Olympics alongside fellow starlet Gabriel Jesus and Barcelona superstar Neymar up front.

Recent reports suggest Santos have accepted a bid from the Bianconeri for the 19-year-old. However Gabigol told a news conference on Thursday that he is still a member of the Vila Belmiro club.

"I am not signed yet, I am a Santos and Brazil player," he said at the national team's training centre. "I am very happy to represent Santos here. Soon, things are going to be sorted.

"Our focus is only here. Before we came, I was in negotiations, and starting from then I left it with my father and my representatives. I think that soon a decision is going to be taken."

Barca have the right of first refusal on Gabriel as part of their deal to sign Neymar from the Sao Paulo club in the summer of 2013.

Gabigol is considered one of the bright young talents of Brazilian football. He expressed his excitement to once again share the field with Neymar during the Rio games.

"I played with him on my debut. It was a farewell after a short time," Gabigol said.

"It's very good to play with him. He's a star, you don't need to say anything else. Playing with him is easy."

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