Brazil superstar Neymar became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona but ultimately left the club in 2023 for Saudi Arabia
Neymar’s dad has offered a cryptic remark on his son’s exit from Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting there will be a time to discuss his motivation to leave the French capital. The transfer came in a year where supporters of the club came to the player’s windows to cite their displeasure directly.
The Brazilian superstar departed PSG in 2023 to make the move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The Middle East side splashed out on a £77million transfer fee and a reported annual salary of £129m for the former Barcelona ace.
Neymar’s departure from PSG came amidst an overhaul upon the arrival of Luis Enrique. That summer also saw exits for Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Marco Verratti as Neymar’s inability to stay fit ensured it was deemed time to cut ties after supporters had already told him to leave.
Nevertheless, Neymar still bagged 118 goals in 173 appearances for PSG and claimed five Ligue 1 titles following his £200m move from Barcelona. Crucially, the Champions League title remained elusive.
Regardless, it appears Neymar’s father looks back with fondness on his son’s time in Paris, which he describes as the ‘best phase of his career’.
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“The fans felt betrayed and came to our windows. But that happens. We’ll talk about the motivations for his departure at another time,” Neymar Sr told L’Equipe. “It was a great marriage, with crises, like with all couples, then a separation. It was the same when he left Santos and Barcelona,” he added.
“But you saw how he was welcomed in Santos when he returned. If he came back to the Parc, he would undoubtedly be applauded.
“In life, you can marry out of love at first sight, but after a certain amount of time, the passion fades, and when we separate, we become good friends. I think that is the case with PSG. No one can wipe away what we did for PSG, and Neymar doesn’t want to wipe away his history with the club.”
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal was one that definitely did not work out however. After just five matches the Brazil legend ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and did not play for more than a year before then suffering a hamstring injury.
The forward was then not registered by the club to feature under Jorge Jesus before his contract was terminated by mutual consent and a return to Santos completed.
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