Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Neymar has confirmed that he had offers from both Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of his departure from Santos in 2013. As per the Brazilian, the decision to ultimately join the Blaugrana was influenced by his lifelong dream of wearing their colors.
Neymar appeared before the court on Tuesday (October 18) to testify in a fraud and corruption trial over his transfer from Santos to Barcelona. At the hearing, the Brazil international was asked to shed light on the other clubs that wanted to sign him in 2013.
The PSG ace confirmed that Real Madrid were in the running for his services until the end, further revealing that his dream of playing for Barca kept him from moving to Madrid. Neymar said (via Barca Universal):
“I knew about the rumors from other clubs but my dream was to sign for Barça and in 2013 I decided to go to Barça and leave Santos.
“I had options from many clubs but my dream was always to play for Barça since I was a child I wanted to play there and I always follow my heart.”
Neymar added:
“I remember that I had Madrid to go to and I don’t remember others. At the last moment, it was Madrid or Barça but my heart made me go to Barça.”
Neymar spent four seasons at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, before signing for PSG for a world-record €222 million fee. He featured in 186 games for them in that stretch, recording 105 goals and 76 assists across competitions. Neymar won two La Liga titles, one Champions League, and three Copas del Rey at Barca, amongst other honors.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez confirms his club failed in their pursuit to sign former Barcelona player Neymar
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also briefly arrived in front of the court on Tuesday to shed light on his club’s interest in Neymar. Perez confirmed that his club had lodged a €45 million offer for the player in 2013 but failed to persuade him to join Madrid instead of Barca.
The Real Madrid president testified (via Managing Madrid):
petbcklmoz
0
To hell with you. Without you MADRID have won so many accolades and will still win more. How many European Champions League have you won?
It's so sad that people like you don't understand anything
FøxyJay
0
if he really dream to play for Barcá; why he leaves early ? so your dream is to earn huge salary
kiodiprs
0
BUT YOU STRUGGLED TO JOIN AFTERWARDS
kiodiprs
0
HOW WELL HAS IT GONE FOR PLAYERS WHO REJECTED MADRID???
kiodiprs
0
And what happened next.
ariwanze
0
...I thought u are going to court cos they bribed your father to convince you to play for Barca?
Hybrid637
0
Heart full of money 💰 ain’t it? [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
football is about money not everyone play for history
Hybrid637
0
Maybe if ya followed your brain you’d have ended up in Real Madrid and summed up your sorrowful injury crisis career with a Balloon D’Or
I didn't know you can tell a football which and what club to play for.he followed his heart and move to Barca and now ur criticizing him because he didn't join Madrid,you Madrid fans are just dumb
kamaludinho
0
the amount of hate for barca is astonishing it's like no other but u know what hate all u want football club Barcelona will always stand tall Salute to all culers
AshraT
1
To hell with you. Without you MADRID have won so many accolades and will still win more. How many European Champions League have you won?
Fuuceioty
1
Maybe if ya followed your brain you’d have ended up in Real Madrid and summed up your sorrowful injury crisis career with a Balloon D’Or
DiBurner
0
and u left Barca for psg.... your heart is really after money.....your departure to PSG is final proof!
Hepbekot
2
Madrid money cry more even for mbappe ,,you like to take top class players from other club but yours hide until is 30 year the transfer 😭😭😭😂😂🤣😂😂😂😂😂🤫
Elyakubjr
0
Bad decision. He would have won like 2 ballon dor now.
For choosing barca or real madrid😏?
luwbcdlopu
0
Trying to find Neymar's heart
[image]
nice joke
Nanayawredemption
5
Trying to find Neymar's heart
Stanleybrew7
3
Barca Barcelona s beautiful football, and they're coming back on top
Dueckmorsz
2
that's why he is in PSG [Crylaugh]
Kieadmnru
2
Bad decision. He would have won like 2 ballon dor now.
BigBoss999
2
Heart full of money 💰 ain’t it? [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
cidabdinsu
0
bad decision leaving barca
more like the starting barca destruction.
bidamns
0
I can't wear Barcelona colours, they resemble colours for burial
seerajps
2
bad decision leaving barca
RealMadrid3_1Barca
4
Why should I give evidence when he didn't come to Madrid? Did Madrid bribe him to go to FC Barcelona?
Toxin-Dc
3
Is a mistake now you are facing court and those people are enjoying their self this is a lesson 😭