Brazilian international and PSG-bound Neymar Jr is expected to complete a 222 million euro move from Spanish giants FC Barcelona, becoming the world’s most expensive player and the most expensive football transfer of all time.
Neymar who joined Barcelona in 2013 after a scandalous transfer which saw him and his father arraigned in court, scored 105 goals for the Catalans, providing 41 MSN assists.
The MSN (Messi – Suarez – Neymar) flourished under former coach Luis Enrique with Neymar being the focal point.
However, critics are divided on whether Neymar’s move was the right one, some saying that a position at PSG would increase his chances of becoming best in the world since at Barcelona he played under Lionel Messi’s shadow.
Others disagree, saying that Neymar should have stayed at Barcelona, wait for Messi to retire or move to another club, then he would get his chance.
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However, Neymar seems to have made up his mind long ago, with the French club confirming on Twitter that he has signed a 5-year contract with them.
Lionel Messi was among the first people to bid Neymar farewell on his Instagram, posting a video of incredible moments they had on the pitch together.
Neymar moved to his Instagram to bid farewell to Barcelona fans, in a message that has left the entire football world full of emotion.
This was Neymar’s last message to his supporters and Barcelona fans:
“ The life of an athlete is made by challenges. Some are given to us, others are fruits of our own decisions, to keep the light that illuminates our career, which is intense but short. Barceloan was much more than a challenge. It was the dream of a child who played with those stars through the video game. I arrived at Catalonia when I was 21 years old, filled with challenges. I can still remember my first days in the club, sharing the changing room with idols like Messi, Valdes, Xavi, Puyol, Pique, Busquets and many others.
Waiting my turn to play in aclub that’s ‘mes que un club’. Barcelona is a nation that represents Catalonia. I had the honour of playing with the best athlete I;ve ever seen in my life and I’m sure I’ll never see another one like him while I’m alive. Leo Messi became my friend in and out of the pitch. It was an honour to play with you. I made a trio with Messi and Suarez and it made history. Conquering everything an athlete can conquer.
Lived unforgettable moments. Lived in a city that’s more than a city, It’s a homeland. I love Barcelona and I love Catalonia. But an athlete needs challenges. For the second time in my life, I’ll contradict my father. Father, I understand and respect your opinion but my decision is made and I ask you to support me as you always do. Barcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart, but I need new challenges.
I accepted PSG’s proposal to try new achievements and help the club win the titles their crowd wants. They showed me a daring career plan and I feel ready to take on this challenge. I tahnk the wonderful Blaugrana crowd and everything learned with the great athletes that I had the chance to share the dressing room. Now I feel in my heart that it is time to leave. PSG will be my home for the next years and I will work hard to honour all of the trust placed in my football. I’m counting on the support of all of you who have been with me since 2009. Fans, friends and professionals who are with me and my family, who suffered a lot with some problems that took place during that period of my career.
Today you deserve peace. It’s a very hard decision but I made it with the maturity I accumulated throughout those 25 years.
Barcelona, gracios per tot!”
