Neymar charters luxury jet for Santos match

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 16 (IANS) Brazilian football star Neymar chartered his own private jet from Sweden in a bold bid to play for Santos against Figueirense in Brazil's Serie A championship Thursday.

Neymar played in Brazil's 3-0 friendly victory over Sweden in Stockholm Wednesday before boarding a direct 14-hour flight to the southern Brazilian city of Florianopolis, reports Xinhua.

The decision to charter the flight was made at the behest of the 20-year-old, who also insisted on paying for his travel expenses, according to Santos officials.

"He wants to play and will join the Santos team Thursday before a decision is made," Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues said.

"What makes him different is that it was Neymar himself who asked to make the trip. He wants to play."

Neymar posted a photo on his Twitter account relaxing inside the luxury jet Wednesday night.