Neymar: Why does he want to leave Barcelona? Why is he joining PSG? What does Messi think?

NEYMAR is set to leave Barcelona to join PSG – but why? Here’s all you need to know about the move.
The Brazilian informed Barca of his wish to leave the club before sitting out this morning’s training session.

Why does Neymar want to leave Barcelona?

It appears to be all about his personal career goals – to be the best in the world. At Barcelona, Neymar is behind Lionel Messi in the pecking order. And, arguably, Luis Suarez. In effect, he’s the third biggest name in his team – let alone the world.

Crucial also, is the Ballon d’Or award, handed to the world’s best player.

In the past 20 years four Brazilians have won the award – Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (twice) and Rivaldo.
NEYMAR TRANSFER LATEST: LIVE UPDATES ON BARCELONA STAR’S MOVE TO PSG

Neymar is determined to add to become the fifth but he knows that’s going to be almost impossible at Barca.

Either he hopes Messi goes – unlikely, given he’s just signed a new contract – or Neymar himself needed to go.
What does Lionel Messi think about Neymar leaving?

Spanish news outlet Don Balon claims the two players have developed a close friendship during their time together in Catalonia.

Neymar arrived in 2013 as a raw talent from Brazilian side Santos, but has since become one of the best players on the planet.

He, along with Messi, have helped the club win eight major trophies in the time since yet their partnership on the field now appears to be over.

Messi reportedly said farewell to his South American counterpart and wished him well for his new adventure in Ligue 1.

The Brazil international then responded by thanking him for the role he has played in his career.
What is the latest on Neymar leaving Barcelona?

Neymar made only a brief visit to Barca’s training ground on Wednesday and a club statement read: “Before the morning session began, Neymar Jr informed those present of his wish to leave the club and was therefore given permission to miss training and resolve his future.”

The former Santos player has a contract with Barca until 2021 but PSG, deposed by Monaco as French champions last term, appear prepared to activate his £199m release clause.

The existing world record fee is the 105m euros, then worth £89m, that Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba last summer.




In his three seasons in Catalunya, Neymar has helped Barca win LaLiga twice, the Champions League once, the Copa del Rey on three occasions and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Neymar reportedly met with PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi in Qatar on Tuesday.

Al-Khelaifi was giving nothing away during an interview with Moroccan broadcaster Medi 1 TV over the weekend.

In quotes reported by various European news outlets on Tuesday, Al-Khelaifi said: “Right now, Neymar is a Barcelona player and we’ll see what happens with him.

“We respect all contracts signed with other clubs and players.

“To be honest, I’d rather not to talk about this matter now. I hope to do it at another time.”

Will the Neymar deal go ahead?

Almost certainly. The club statement today has served to reaffirm that.

The unprecedented scale of the deal has sparked rumours that Barca could make a complaint to UEFA over a purported failure to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules by the purchasing club.

UEFA has said it has not received a complaint but would look into the details of the transfer if it goes ahead.

PSG’s squad contains four players who have played with Neymar for Brazil, with Dani Alves – also a former team-mate at Barcelona – having already joined the club this summer.

Source:www.express.co.uk