Neto: I'd rather be here than a beach (er... are you sure, Pedro?)

PEDRO NETO insists he would far rather be at the Club World Cup than sunbathing on a beach.

- BY JOHN CROSS

The 32-team tournament in the USA has taken a lot of criticism, largely because it means Europe-based stars will not get much of a summer break.

Neto's Chelsea have had a mixed start - beating Los Angeles FC, but then losing 3-1 to Flamengo, when they also had Nicolas Jackson sent off.

They face Club Tunis in their final group match, on Wednesday at 2am UK time, with work left to do.

But Blues winger Neto (top) says he would not swap the CWC for a holiday.

"We have to be thankful. We are here playing this tournament," said Neto, who was then asked whether he would genuinely rather be in the US than on a beach somewhere.