Sport
Neymar buys £43m penthouse in exclusive Bugatti block with private car elevator
NEYMAR has given his property portfolio the ultimate lift, just when his career could be on the decline.
The Brazilian legend wanted to buy a £43million penthouse in Dubai, complete with a private car lift right to his door.
Neymar's future for Al-Hilal is in doubt as injury has limited him to seven appearances in 15 months on a £2.5m-a-week contract.
But it hasn't stopped Saudi Pro League flop 32, buying a futuristic mega-pad in the neighboring United Arab Emirates that is breathtaking even by its standards of luxury.
Building developer Binghatti says the 128-player ex-Barcelona striker has secured one of the so-called Sky Mansions in the exclusive Bugatti Residences block.
Of course there is a private swimming pool with beautiful views of the center of Dubai.
And thanks to the personal elevators, you no longer have to get out of your car to go to your own country house.
Binghatti says the setting is “a tribute to the French Riviera.”
They also boast: “Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each home with natural light, supported by high ceilings and open living areas, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere.”
A fitness center and members-only club are also included.
But Al-Hilal will be more concerned about how often Neymar can appear on the pitch than how he will interact with his new neighbors when he is in Dubai.
Speculation is mounting that Saudi Arabia's top leaders want to sack the ex-PSG star before his contract expires next summer.
There was once talk of a return to Barcelona, but most of the current talk centers on a return to his homeland.
However, Palmeiras ruthlessly ruled out interest due to his fitness concerns, with club president Leila Pereira saying they are “not a medical department”.
And Neymar's agent dampened down rumors of a move to his first club Santos.
But despite all his injury problems, one thing has remained stable for the three-time Champions League winner.
Such are his lavish lifestyle and habits.
A few weeks ago he bought waterfront land in Miami for £20.5 million.
Inevitably, transfer links with David Beckham's Inter Miami proliferated, particularly the opportunity to recreate Barcelona's famous 'MSN' front three with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Neymar is now also back with his model partner Bruna Biancardi, the mother of his daughter Mavie.
The couple is far from coy in sharing photos of private jets and exotic vacations.
He has reportedly created his own £7 million private island off the coast of Brazil, according to reports.
The Canadian owner of the six-hectare hideaway near a port town in Rio de Janeiro is said to have reduced the price by more than £3 million.
But that would still mean Neymar would have to dig deep for about… three weeks' wages!
However, he has always insisted that playing football is his greatest stimulation, so the priority is to press the button on his future and get back on his feet.