Neymar has been unveiled by Paris Saint-Germain following his €222 million move, saying he wanted a ‘new challenge’.
The Brazilian striker has swapped Barcelona for Paris in a world record smashing deal, and has signed a £500,000-a-week, five year contract.
He said he had not been sure over his future for a long time, but had been convinced by the other Brazilian players at PSG and was looking forward to the challenge. He also said he had not moved in order to be the biggest star at the club.
At a press conference held on Friday, Neymar said:
‘The club has a very similar ambition to mine, I want a bigger challenge. My heart made this decision, that is why I am in front of you today to help this team.
‘Being a star did not impact my decision, it is down to me wanting to find a new challenge. I am looking for something new. This is what PSG want, and they deserve it.
‘I leave a lot of very good friends behind, but that’s football. You make friends wherever you go, and that’s the main thing. It was the right time to leave and look for something different. Being the most expensive player is not a burden, I am happy.
‘I spoke with Brazilian players here at PSG, and they were happy for me to be here. I feel like I am at home already.
‘Two days ago I informed the coach, he was the first to know, I respect the club and the coach. I am very happy with my decision, I am excited.’
While this move was all about being respected and the money, Neymar tried unsuccessfully to insists that money was not the motivation for his move.
“I have never moved for money,” he said.
“If people think I am moving for money then they do not know me.”I do not feel any more pressure because of the money spent on me;
“I weigh 69 kilos and I have nothing else on my shoulders.”
PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi said their fans had been ‘dreaming’ about them signing Neymar, and played down concerns about the fee and the Financial Fair Play implications.
‘Neymar is an idol for the whole world, for everyone who loves sport. As far as I am concerned Neymar is the best player in the whole world.
‘Our supporters have always dreamed about Neymar, and today here he is. Our project has become stronger, and Ligue 1 becomes more interesting for the whole world.
‘Maybe today it is the most expensive, but will it be in two or three years? I don’t think it is too expensive. We are going to make more money than we paid.
‘From day one, we are on a good relationship with UEFA and Financial Fair Play. Anyone thinking about FFP, I say go and have coffee, we are fine.’
