I Disobeyed My Father On PSG Move, Neymar Says

Neymar Jr has revealed that he went against his father in his decision to leave Barcelona and join the French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.

The 25-year-old signed a five-year-deal with PSG on Thursday in a world record fee of 222 million euros ($262 million), after the French side payed the release clause in his contract.

He will receive a reported $550,000 per-week in the French capital.

The Brazilian’s father, Neymar Snr, who also acts as his agent faced wide criticism for advising his son to take the big money deal, in a bid to make millions of Euros out of it.

However, in a video posted by Neymar, appreciating Barcelona for the memorable time he spent in Spain, the 25-year-old said: “I did the opposite of what my dad wanted.

“The life of a sportsman moves through challenges, some to do with taxes, others are the result of our decisions.

“Barcelona has been more than a challenge, playing alongside great players has been like a video game.

“I remember my first days in the club, sharing the dressing room with idols like Messi, Valdes, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Pique, Busquets and others, with the expectation of playing for “more than a club”.

“FCBarcelona is a nation that represents Catalonia! I had the honour of playing with the greatest athlete I have ever seen and I am sure that I will not see another better.

“Leo Messi became my partner, and friend on and off the pitch and I was proud to play with him.

“I formed a historic attack with him and Luis Suarez and I have conquered everything an athlete can conquer.
“I have lived unforgettable moments! I lived in a city that is more than a city, it is a homeland. I love Barcelona and Catalunya.

“But an athlete needs challenges – and for the second time in my life, I will do the opposite of my dad.

“Papa, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is taken, I ask you to support me as you have always done.

“FCBarcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart but I need new challenges.
“I have accepted the proposal of PSG and I want to help the club to achieve the titles that the fans hope for.

“It’s a daring career plan and I am prepared for this challenge.

“I thank the Blaugrana fans for their affection and all that I have learned from the players with whom I have shared a dressing room.

“I also feel in my heart that the time has come to leave.

“PSG will be my new home for the next few years and I will work to honour the confidence they put in my football.

“I count on the support of all fans, my friends, the professionals who accompany me and my family, who have suffered a lot with problems that have occurred during this period of my career and deserve peace.

“It is a difficult decision but taken with the maturity of my 25 years.

“FCBarcelona thank you all! PSG, I’ve arrived! May God bless us and protect us!”