Brazil star Neymar has opened up on the struggles of his upbringing and revealed how a lack of cookies gave him motivation to become a rich and successful footballer.
The world record signing, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for £198million, was once in an environment where every penny counted and food was in scarce supply.
And in an open and honest interview with YouTube channel O Primo Rico, the PSG forward recounts one particular story about being owed cookies from his mother and how that fueled a fire inside him to become a rich and successful player.
He said: 'There's a story with my mum and I think most people know it. I really wanted to eat cookies but we didn't have any, so my mum said: "Son we don't have more money, there's no way. I'll owe you this week, maybe next week when dad gets his payment, we can buy it."'.
'At the same time I told her, "mum it's OK. One day I will be very rich. I'll buy a cookie factory so I can eat whenever I want."'
'My mum cries when she tells that story because it was really touching for her.'
Neymar quickly honed his skills and began to attract lots of attention as a teenager in his home country. It didn't take long before European scouts took an interest.
'I think it was by the time I was 14 or 15 years old that I realised I wouldn't lack anything anymore if I did things right, if I had my parents take care of everything.'
Life has transformed these days for the 26-year-old as he lives a lavish lifestyle and mixes with the rich and famous on a regular basis.
Neymar is currently chasing a Champions League title with PSG having been brought in to spearhead the Ligue 1 side to European success.
The club have been pitted against Manchester United, a side with renewed belief after the appointment of interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
manieminem10
188
You all can make fun of this guy about his hairstyles, behaviour on field. But for me he's the most humble player after Leo. He always proved his haters wrong. PSG has a good chance to win CL because of Neymar. I say best of luck to my second favourite player. 🤗
Flecherson11
62
If you have vision in life like what NEYMAR has said in an interviewed, it would inspire you to decide on what you want to do in future than sitting in your poor home to insult THE VISION MAN NEYMAR, you been haters can never change NEYMAR chance of becoming champion in Europe and the world. WE ALWAYS LOVE YOU NEYMAR and to hater
mule2020
54
fame,fortune and money is what drives this young man. every player has a rough background but they are not hungrier for all fame or money like Ney his love for money has overshadowed his talent and if not careful he will END up with a history of fame and not of glory in his talent. money isn't the only motivation in LIFE that's why he left Barcelona cozy he's selfishness of wanting to be the highest paid Player and not to get out of Messi is shadow. if He put's His greedy first than his talent He will never be recognized as a best player and he will not WIN a Balon do' In is career. humbleness and humility and gentleness and hard work is Mo than riches . MBAPPE, hazard, Mo Salah, Dybala, Sancho , Griezmann are the next Balon do' winners.
Koomalinho
45
nice from the greatest Brazilian that has ever lived