Brazil forward Neymar took to the social media after his world record €222 million transfer to Paris St Germain deal was finalized to say farewell to the Spanish side and to explain his reasoning behind making the jump to PSG.
In an Instagram post, he said: “The life of an athlete is made by challenges. Some are given to us, some are fruits of our own decisions. Those decisions are to keep the light that illuminated our career which is intense, but short. Barcelona was much more than a challenge. It was the dream of a child who played with those stars in video games.
“I arrived in Catalonia at 21 years of age, filled with challenges. I still remember my first days in Barcelona… I shared a dressing room with idols like Messi, Valdes, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Pique, and Busquets and many others. I was waiting for my turn to play for the club that is ‘mes que un club’.
“Barcelona is a nation that represents Catalonia. I had the honour to play with the best athlete I’ve seen in my life & I’m sure I won’t see anyone like him while I’m alive. Leo Messi became my friend in and out the pitch. It was an honour to play with you.”
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Neymar hailed the attack formed by Messi, Luis Suarez and himself as one for the history books.
“I made a trio with Messi and Suarez that made history, conquered everything an athlete can conquer, lived unforgettable moments. I lived in a city (Barcelona) that’s more than a city. It’s a homeland. I love Barcelona and I love Catalonia, but an athlete needs challenges.”
However, the post goes on with the 25-year-old explaining that he needs a new challenge and that he would be going against his father’s wishes by making the move to Paris.
“And for the 2nd time in my life, I will contradict my father. Father, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is made and I ask you to support me like you always do.”
Neymar went on to say that he’s accepted the challenge of joining PSG as part of a daring “career plan” and that he hopes he can help the club achieve its goals, before thanking the Barca fans and players for their support.
“Barcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart, but I need new challenges. I accepted PSG’s proposition to try new achievements, and help the club win the titles its crowd wants. PSG showed me a daring career plan, and I feel ready to take on this challenge. I thank the wonderful blaugrana crowd, and everything learned with the great athletes that I shared the dressing room with. Now I feel in my heart that it’s time to leave.
‘PSG will be my home for the next years and I will work hard to honour all the trust put in my football. I’m counting on the support of all you who’ve been with me since 2009: fans, friends, professionals who are with me, and family. It’s a very hard decision, but I made it with the maturity I accumulated throughout 25 years. Barcelona, gracies per tot. Paris, j’arrive. May God bless us and protect us.”
