NEYMAR plans to devote his career to POKER when he retires from football.
The Brazil superstar has enjoyed plenty of success on the pitch withtrophies across Brazil, Spain and France.
And Neymar has spoken of his love for playing poker, and his plans to turn professional once he hangs up his boots.
He has taken up a new role as cultural ambassador for PokerStars having joined the team in 2020.
The 30-year-old said: "It's true I plan to turn pro. I feel very comfortable playing poker, and think I can play in major tournaments after my football career is over.
"I began playing during the 2014 World Cup, and I have fallen in love with the game.
Read More Football Stories
Arsenal stars clash in training ground FIGHT in All or Nothing trailer
Dream Team’s BACK! All you need to know before you go for £100k prize pot
"I play poker in an aggressive fashion. My favourite hands are a pair of tens – after my shirt number – and Jack-Five.
"There are similarities between football and poker, in the ways how you read your game and your opponent, and choose when to attack.
"I used to play it a lot while with Barcelona, and we play often at PSG.
"I make myself hard for my opponents to read, although I play too many hands.
Most read in Football
ABSOLUT HELL 
I left Real Madrid and ended up playing in Russia drinking vodka on team bus
Newcastle order Saint-Maximin to 'stop parking Ferrari in awkward positions'
David and Victoria Beckham bump into Sarah Ferguson during holiday to Italy
Chelsea finally agree £55m Kounde deal in THIRD blockbuster transfer this week
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
"The first time I got a pet dog I named him 'Poker' as I love the game so much.
"Every time I sit down to play I aim to win – whether it is with friends, online or in a tournament."
Neymar has had lessons from leading Brazilian poker pros Andre Akkari and Rafa Moraes.
The forward has twice scooped domestic three-of-a-kind with trebles at PSG, in 2018 and 2020.
On his new role with PokerStars he said: "Poker is so much more than just the game, it is a community and a culture and that is what I love about it.
"I am excited to start this next chapter with PokerStars, and we are already collaborating on a number of key areas.”
To celebrate his new role, PokerStars and Neymar also launched an exclusive Golden Chip giveaway.
As well as awarding $850,000 in cash prizes, a number of limited edition Golden Chips were hidden by PokerStars to be discovered over the next few weeks.
Each chip unlocked a high-value prize including signed merchandise and clothing, as well as once-in-a-lifetime VIP experiences and gifts curated by Neymar himself.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Source: Read Full Article
