PSG’s Marquinhos says it was Neymar’s plan to mock Haaland

Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos has lifted the lid on the club’s Erling Haaland-inspired celebration during the Champions League round-of-16 clash, saying it was Neymar‘s idea to mock the young Borussia Dortmund striker.

PSG advanced to the quarterfinal stage courtesy of the 2-0 victory over the German side at the Parc des Princes on March 11. Neymar scored the opener, then mocked Haaland’s “Zen” celebration.

According to Marquinhos, Neymar’s club teammate and fellow Brazilian international, the derisive celebration aimed at the 19-year-old Norwegian goal machine was premeditated.

“He likes that,” Marquinhos told YouTube channel Desimpedidos, per ESPN UK. “Neymar is not just a football player, he is not afraid and always responds to provocations.