Image shows Neymar Jr. and Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Emotions have flared in Barcelona following Neymar’s 222 million euros move to French Ligue 1 club side Paris Saint-Germain.
Although the atmosphere in France has been livelier than expected, Barca seem to be wallowing in pain despite the huge amount they received as buy-out clause.
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says Neymar’s purchase wasn’t a revenge act against Verratti, who had shown interest [through his agent] to live French football giants and join Barca.
Barca wanted the Italian player but PSG insisted he wasn’t for sale.
Nonetheless, after reaching out to the Spanish giants and speaking with Neymar Jr., the Brazilian agreed to move but the problem was his insane buy-out clause which PSG’s Qatari owners considered as a good investment. They wasted no time in paying the outrageous amount although Barca never wanted to accept.
Speaking at a press conference today, Nasser said: “Neymar is the best player in the world. There has been a lot of transparency with UEFA and there is no problem with Financial Fair Play.
“The French league will be more attractive because of him.
“Together with Neymar, we will rewrite the history of PSG, the club of the world’s most wonderful city.”
He added: “Neymar is not a vengeance for Barcelona’s interest in Verratti.
“It has nothing to do with that; we are signing the best player in the world.”
Teammates in Spain have expressed their mood on Neymar’s exit.
Andres Iniesta wrote on Instagram, “Our paths may be separating, but our thoughts will continue to unite us.”
The Spain international footballer who is also a captain of the club side added: “I wish you the best of luck in your new chapter.
“You’re awesome.
“A brotherly hug to you, Ney.”
“Players like you make this club and its history greater,” Gerard Pique wrote in an Instagram message to Neymar.
He continued: “We were very similar, from your way of understanding life and football and we connected right away.
“All of the memories that we have together, both on and off the pitch, will last forever.”
One of the reason’s Neymar left the club is his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or. And football analysts believe he can’t achieve this while playing under the shadows of his South American brother Lionel Messi.
“You deserve for your dreams to be fulfilled,” Pique added.
“They will become a reality in Paris.”
Neymar replied: “I will always have you as a big brother, I love you Geri.”
Speaking at his unveiling in France, the 25-year-old Brazilian said he knew it was the right time and right decision to make. He admitted to wanting new challenges, and bluntly told critics that he has never moved from one club to another for financial gains.
“If people think I am moving for money then they do not know me,” he said.
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