In 2013, Neymar had to choose between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid… Now, he reveals why he picked Barça.
Despite a blockbuster offer from Real Madrid, which allowed him to name his own price, Neymar followed his heart and his admiration for Ronaldinho and Messi, ultimately choosing FC Barcelona. Speaking on the Podpah podcast, the Brazilian admitted that signing with Madrid would have tripled his salary, but his dream was always to play for the Blaugrana.
“Real Madrid’s offer was a blank check—they told me I could write down any amount I wanted… but in my heart, I wanted Barça. At Real Madrid, I would have earned three times more money. Florentino (Pérez) has always liked me. But I wanted to follow in Ronaldinho’s footsteps and play with Messi,” Neymar explained.
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Now back at Santos, Neymar is looking to regain form before making a return to Europe, with one clear ambition: wearing Barcelona’s colors again. According to Sport, his agent Pini Zahavi is already working behind the scenes to convince the Barça board to bring him back.
While coach Hans-Dieter Flick is reportedly unconvinced by the idea, Barcelona’s financial struggles could make Neymar a low-cost opportunity. The forward is even willing to take a pay cut to facilitate his much-anticipated comeback.
