Move not about money: Neymar
PSG SWITCH After record transfer, Brazilian says leaving Barca was ‘one of the most difficult decisions’ he had to make
Neymar said Friday joining Paris Saint-Germain in a world record transfer was “one of the most difficult decisions” he has had to make as he looked forward to the challenges ahead with his new club. “In Barcelona I had adapted well to the city and the team. I had friends there and it has not been easy,” the 25-yearold Brazil superstar admitted at a press conference at PSG’s Parc des Princes on Friday.
“It was a tense time, thinking about what I should do in my life. I have left behind a lot of friends, but things go very fast in football.
“I thank all my teammates at Barca for their friendship. I was very happy there for four years but I felt it was time to move on.”
Neymar completed his stunning transfer on Thursday when he signed a five-year deal with the French giants after paying 222 million euros ($264 million) to release himself from his contract at Barcelona.
There has been a virulent reaction in Barcelona to his decision to leave, which has been compared to Luis Figo’s highly controversial switch to Real Madrid in 2000. But Neymar insisted he did not disrespect the Catalan club in activating his release clause. “I am sad that supporters -- and I hope it is the minority -- can think that. At no point have I lacked respect towards them or the club.
“All players have the right to want to stay or leave. They are not obliged to stay. If you want to go, when you think it’s time to go, I have the right.”
“I am very pleased to be able to come to Paris to a big club and a marvellous city,” he said.
Asked why he chose Paris, Neymar said: “For the ambition of the club which is very similar to mine. I want something bigger, a greater challenge. I am here to give my best and help the club win titles.”
He is expected to earn 30 million euros net per year, but he rejected claims that his move was driven purely by money.
“I have never been motivated by money. I always follow my heart. I regret that people think that and I thank PSG for believing in my potential,” he said.
Neymar also insisted he was fit to make his debut on Saturday, when PSG host newly promoted Amiens on the opening day of the new Ligue 1 season.
“I always want to play, so I am ready to do so tomorrow. I have trained in pre-season. I stopped for two days, but I am ready, I’ve seen the pitch and I want to put the PSG shirt on and play.”
All players have the right to want to stay or leave. They are not obliged to stay. If you want to go, when you think it’s time to go, I have the right.