Luis Enrique has hailed the agreement between Barcelona and the Brazilian federation that will see Neymar dispute only the Olympics this summer, calling the accord "fantastic for everyone."

Barcelona and the Brazilian Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Neymar would not participate in Brazil's Copa America Centenario campaign this summer, and instead will be in Rio de Janeiro to take part in the Olympic tournament, which Brazil have never won.

The Brazilian federation had been lobbying for Neymar to play in both. But speaking with media on Friday, the Barcelona boss said the decision taken is best for all parties involved.

"It was a consensual decision between all parties. Everyone wants the best for the player, even that he, it's clear, had a desire to represent his country, which makes sense and is normal," Luis Enrique said.

"But in the end, all parties arrived at this agreement, and I think it's fantastic for everyone. It's the best for the club, for the player and for the national team."

Neymar's Barcelona and Brazil teammate Dani Alves irked Barcelona supporters for his playful social media response following the club's elimination to Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League last Wednesday.

Alves was conspicuously absent from the Blaugrana's next fixture -- a 2-1 loss to Valencia at the Camp Nou. Luis Enrique denied Alves' absence was due to his off-field actions.

"I don't have to protect him. We have perfect supporters that always support us. My decisions aren't a function of other things," he said.

Barca bounced back from Sunday's Valencia loss with an 8-0 thrashing at Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday. Luis Suarez scored four and set-up three more in a rout Luis Enrique hopes will catapult his team after a poor spell which saw them quickly lose a nine-point advantage atop La Liga.

"It was a perfect result that reinforces our current moment and comes at a good time. Let's hope to uphold that in the four remaining rounds," Luis Enrique said.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by ESPN staff

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