It seems Neymar da Silva has another good reason to come and play in La Liga. The Brazilian's 'brother' Joclécio Amancio dos Santos (born in Lagoa Grande, 1992) is currently on trial at Leganés with the hope of breaking into Spanish football.
Jo Amancio is considered as a kind of adopted brother to the Santos star. Although the pair do not share the same blood, they have been inseparable from the time they first met in the youth ranks at 'Peixe'. The two got along so well that Jo – who was born in Pernambuco – soon left the Santos academy residence to move in to the Da Silva family home.
"We met when we were only 13 years old and since then we have grown up together. We lived in the same house for seven years, we studied together, and until 2010 we played in the same team," Jo told MARCA.
Regardless of the club where he has plied his trade (Marcílio Dias, Sao Carlos, Al Sadd and Caçador FC), Jo cannot shake off the shadow of his friend Neymar. "I’m used to talking about Neymar wherever I go," he added.
Although Neymar is normally the one to beat records and capture everyone's attention, Jo has beaten the Brazilian in the race to the Spanish league: "Every player dreams of coming to Europe to play. I was excited about getting the chance to play in Spain. Spain is the World and European champion. A lot of people compare the team to Brazil's 1970 group. Anyone who likes good football likes the Spanish players.