Money Was Never The Motivation, Neymar Says On PSG Move

Paris St Germain’s latest recruit, Neymar Jr has said publicly that his world record 222 million-euro move from Barcelona to the Ligue 1 side was never motivated by money.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of his formal unveiling, the world’s most expensive footballer said he followed his heart and “wanted a bigger challenge”.

The 25-year-old Brazilian will reportedly earn 45 million annually.

The deal is the first in the world to have such a huge fee, far exceeding the 105 million euros Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba’s move from Juventus last summer.

“My heart made this decision and I followed my heart,” Neymar said.

“Money was never my motivation … I want to be happy, and I want my family to be happy. I’m really sad to hear that people think this way.

“If it was just about money, I could have gone somewhere else.

“Being the most expensive player in the world is not a burden, I weigh 69 kg, I don’t have a burden on me,” he added.

PSG president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, said the value of the club had risen by half a billion dollars since Neymar’s signing.

He further dismissed concerns that the French club may have breached UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, which limit the amount a club can spend in excess of their income, saying: “We are working very transparently with UEFA.”