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“I Didn’t Leave Barcelona to Be the Best in the World at PSG” – Neymar Opens Up
Neymar Jr has finally opened up about his decision to leave Barcelona during the 2017/18 season.
In an interview with Brazilian football legend Romário, Neymar shared the personal motivations behind his departure.
Neymar joined Barcelona in the 2013/14 season from Santos FC in a high-profile $90 million transfer. Over four seasons, Neymar won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey.
However, fans were stunned when he announced his transfer to PSG in 2017. Rumors swirled that he left to step out of Messi’s shadow and cement himself as the world’s best player. Neymar has now clarified his reasons.
“I didn’t leave Barcelona to become the best player in the world at PSG,” Neymar told Romário. “When I told Messi I was leaving, he asked, ‘Why? Do you want to be the best player in the world? I can help you achieve that.’ But I told him no. It wasn’t about that—it was personal.”
Neymar admitted financial benefits played a role in his decision but emphasized that the opportunity to reunite with his Brazilian teammates was a big factor.
“At PSG, there were Brazilians I wanted to play with—Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Marquinhos, Lucas Moura. They were all my friends, and I wanted to share the pitch with them.”
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
