Neymar said yesterday 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
Neymar. Pic/AFP
Neymar. Pic/AFP
Neymar said yesterday 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.
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"In Barcelona I had adapted well to the city and the team. I had friends there and it has not been easy," the Brazil superstar, 25, admitted at a press conference at PSG's Parc des Princes.
"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," he added. 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.
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 stay or leave. If you want to go, when you think it's time to go, I have the right."
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