Casemiro: Neymar 'would be welcome' at Real Madrid

Casemiro doesn't see a problem if Neymar were to make the switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid.

Perhaps he's forgotten about Luis Figo, who, 17 years ago today, made the same controversial switch and eventually found himself dodging a pig's head thrown by an irate Barca supporter upon his return to the Camp Nou.

Regardless, the Real Madrid midfielder insists that his compatriot would be able to make a smooth transition if he were to join the capital-city club, and spurn interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who is reportedly willing to trigger Neymar's €222-million release clause.

"It is up to Neymar himself to decide his own future," Casemiro told reporters, courtesy of ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan. "He knows what he must do. Why could he not play here at Real Madrid? He would be welcome here with us."

Unlike Neymar's teammate Gerard Pique, who attempted to quell speculation by posting a picture alongside the Brazilian with a message suggesting he's staying, Casemiro admitted that he doesn't know what the future holds.

"I haven't spoken with Neymar, but I wish him the best," Casemiro added. "He is a great player, I admire him a lot. He knows what he is doing, behind they are all very capable, his father is a great person, who knows what he is doing.

"If he does leave Barcelona, I wish him all the luck in the world. If he stays, I also wish him all the best in the world."

It has been reported that Barcelona officials have grown fed up with Neymar's supposed unrest and are willing to allow the player and his father to determine whether to remain or leave.

However, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde declared the club is eager to retain Neymar, who didn't show any signs of being negatively impacted by the rampant speculation during his two-goal performance Saturday against Juventus.