Chidi Samuel || Brazil international, Neymar has completed his world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for £200m.
Barcelona confirmed payment for Neymar’s 222m euros buyout clause had been received earlier on Thursday, despite the transfer hitting a stumbling block when La Liga refused to accept the release clause.
Neymar has now signed a five-year contract at the Parc des Princes, where he will face the media on Friday and be formally presented as a PSG player when the club begin their Ligue 1 campaign at home to Amiens on Saturday.
“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” said Neymar. “Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious.
“And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.
“Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge.
Neymar also posted an emotional farewell to Barcelona on his Instagram, thanking the club and insisting the decision to leave was his own.
“I had the honour of playing with the best athlete I have ever seen in my life and I’m sure that I will never see another one like him while I’m alive, Leo Messi,” Neymar wrote.
“I love Barcelona but an athlete (me) needs challenges. And for the second time in my life, I’ll contradict my father. Father, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is made and I ask you to support me as you always do.
“Now in my heart, I feel it’s time to leave. PSG will be my home for the next few years.”
With agency report