Neymar Reveals Plan To Retire And Become A Professional Poker Player

However, apparently the Brazilian is already thinking about what he's going to do after his playing career comes to an end - at least according to the new role he has bagged with PokerStars.

The 29-year-old is now a cultural ambassador for the gambling company, and has revealed that he's also thinking about going into poker permanently.

"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," he said.

"I began playing during the 2014 World Cup, and I have fallen in love with the game. 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. 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."

Now, what a professional poker player thinks of Neymar claiming he could challenge them after doing it in his spare time for a few years is on thing, but do you think it's a realistic move?

One footballer he could follow in the footsteps of is former Everton and Real Madrid midfielder Thomas Gravesen, who has moved to Las Vegas in retirement to play poker.

All imagery: PA Images/PokerStars