Paris: Money was never the motivating factor for Neymar’s record 222 million-euro ($261 million) transfer from Barcelona, the world’s most expensive footballer said on his arrival at Paris St Germain on Friday. Before taking to the pitch at the Parc des Princes Stadium to show off his skills and new PSG shirt, the Brazilian forward said he had moved to France was because he “wanted a bigger challenge”.
“My heart made this decision and I followed my heart,” said the player who will reportedly be paid 45 million euros ($53 million) a year. “Money was never my motivation... I want to be happy, and I want my family to be happy. I am really sad to hear that people think this way. If it was just about money, I could have gone somewhere else,” he said. The jaw-dropping deal is the first time that a world record transfer fee has been doubled in one swoop. The previous record was midfielder Paul Pogba’s move last year from Juventus to Manchester United for 105 million euros.
Neymar said joining PSG 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. “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.”
He spent the last four seasons in Catalonia, notably winning two 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 wished Neymar well. 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.” The 77-times capped Brazil forward landed at Le Bourget airport to the north-east of Paris on Friday morning before making his way to the Parc des Princes where he was officially unveiled.
