Neymar reveals why he left Barcelona: It had nothing to do with Messi

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian star Neymar has clarified that he left Barcelona in 2017 after wanting new challenges, not because of the Ballon d’Or or Lionel Messi.

Neymar had been close to returning to Barcelona during the summer, despite being transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for 222 million two years ago. In the end, this transfer, which Lionel Messi himself allegedly sought, failed.

When Neymari left Barcelona at PSG for a record-breaking sum in the summer of 2017, Spanish media claimed the 27-year-old had left because he wished he would no longer be in the shadow of Messi.

“I left because I wanted new goals. It had nothing to do with the Ballon d’Or or being in the same team with Lionel Messi,” Neymari said in an interview with France Football.

“He’s a great player, the best I’ve ever seen playing. It’s no surprise that he has six Golden Balls, there must be a Golden Ball just for him. I will always love Messi.”

Neymar also revealed in this interview his goals, both individual and collective, for his future in football.

“I want to win the Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, but what I love most is to win the World Cup trophy with the Brazil national team,” Neymari said.

“I would love to win the Golden Ball too, but that doesn’t bother me. It may come to me by itself … or it may not come at all.”