Neymar’s Father Reveals Reasons Behind Barcelona to PSG Transfer

The father of Al-Hilal striker Neymar has shed light on the reasons behind his son’s high-profile move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017.

“The decision to join PSG was entirely his own,” Neymar Sr. explained on the Jota Jota Podcast. “At that time, we found ourselves in a challenging situation at Barcelona. There was uncertainty regarding the club’s sporting management’s intentions. It appeared that they wanted Neymar to step into Messi’s shoes, a role he wasn’t prepared to take on.”

Neymar’s father admitted that he attempted to persuade his son to remain at Barcelona. However, the Brazilian forward was not ready to assume the mantle of the club’s primary star and shoulder the responsibility that came with it.

Neymar’s tenure at Barcelona lasted from 2013 to 2017. During his time with the Catalan giants, he secured two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, as well as triumphs in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup. Following his move to PSG, the Brazilian continued his success, clinching five Ligue 1 titles and three each of the French Cup and Super Cup.