Neymar: Money never the reason

‘I JUST FELT IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON’ Barcelona fans lash out after their hero’s shock decision.

Neymar said yesterday that joining Paris St 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-year-old Brazil superstar admitted at a press conference at PSG’s Parc des Princes yesterday.

“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 team-mates 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 they paid €222 million to Barcelona.

He spent the last four seasons in Catalonia, notably winning two

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right) has criticised Neymar’s world-record transfer, saying it will become increasingly difficult to respect financial fair play rules when “a country owns a football club”.

“For me, it is the consequence of the ownerships and that has completely changed the whole landscape of football in the last 15 years,” Wenger told reporters.

“Once a country owns a club, everything is possible.” – Spanish titles and the Champions League in 2015.

He was part of a lethal front three at Barca alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, both of whom have taken to social media to wish Neymar well in his new challenge.

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 – 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.”

The 77-times capped Brazil forward landed at Le Bourget airport to the north-east of Paris yesterday morning before making his way to the Parc des Princes where he was officially unveiled.

“I am very pleased to be able to come to Paris to a big club and a marvellous city,” he said.

He joins a club that has been transformed since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. PSG are desperate to win back the French title, lost to Monaco last season, but also to win the Champions League for the first time.

Asked why he chose Paris, Neymar said: “For the ambition of the club which is very similar to mine.” – AFP

Reuters