SERGIO RAMOS stepped in to stop Neymar and Kylian Mbappe rowing in the dressing room, according to reports.
And the feuding Paris Saint-Germain pair have now made a pact to keep their simmering relationship issues private, especially with the World Cup just 52 days away.
Tensions have worsened between the two superstar forwards in recent years – but in particular in the last few months.
It is said their relationship has deteriorated from “cold to polar” – and there are at a standstill with no way back.
And reports suggest Mbappe does not want Neymar in the team at all while the world’s most-expensive player has been “left astonished by the influence the France striker has been given” since signing his £500million contract in May.
Mbappe and Neymar publicly argued on the pitch during August’s 5-2 win over Montpellier when the Brazilian took the ball off his rival for PSG’s second penalty of the match – after his fellow forward missed their first.
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AS state the pair clashed in the locker room afterwards and experienced defender Ramos – hardly known for keeping is cool – had to jump in to mediate the situation.
He is said to have told Neymar to respect the decision that Mbappe is the designated penalty taker.
Brazilian Marquinhos and Lionel Messi are also said to have intervened to help diffuse the situation – with the Argentine icon regularly acting as peacemaker between the two.
There are now fears the growing discontent between the stars – who cost a combined £360m in transfer fees – could disturb the harmony within Christophe Galtier’s squad.
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Mbappe looked on course to leave PSG last summer before completing a dramatic U-turn and signing a bumper contract until 2025, with a £250m bonus and wages totalling a whopping £1.6m per week.
As well as the huge financial boost, Mbappe was also granted greater influence at the football club with his voice playing a major role in football decisions as the board try to keep the 23-year-old happy.
But Neymar, 30, has reportedly taken exception to this and allegedly privately accused Mbappe of trying to get the PSG chiefs to sell him this summer so the ex-Monaco ace could be the undisputed No1.
Both players appear to have called a truce and are trying to keep the trouble under wraps.
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They continue to celebrate goals together – and there have been plenty of them this term with ten for Mbappe and 11 for Neymar.
And they refuse to comment on their bond in the media – with the Brazilian blatantly sighing and walking away during an interview during the recent international break.
Mbappe, though, did admit he felt more “freedom” while playing for France compared to club football.
It is understood neither player wants to make the situation worse because the World Cup is so close.
Brazil and holders France will have ambitions of winning the tournament in Qatar so the forwards are keen to avoid any controversy or anything that could hinder their chances of glory.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
