Neymar's father says the carnival is an escape for his son

"Sometimes I allow these distractions, because mentally these boys, at this level, cry, suffer, feel." 

These are the words of Neymar's father, who has promoted the use of therapeutical techniques to help star footballers enjoy positive mental health. 

"You have to give them... not an escape, but a structure, so they can stand all the stress of work, the distance, the friends. The carnival is an escape. He trained in the morning and in the evening and so we went there. We have enough structure to bring him, putting him in the best place without causing any damage."

He also seems to believe that the presence of his son at the carnival is similar to being at a gym.

"Everybody thinks that Neymar was at the carnival and spent an hour walking... he was in one of the best spots, with all possible assistence, with a sofa to sit down on, with a drink if he needed a drink... these things annoy Neymar."