Neymar bids emotional farewell to Barcelona

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 03 August 2017

New Paris Saint-Germain attacker Neymar bids an emotional farewell to Barcelona following his world-record switch to the French capital.

Neymar has taken to Instagram to say his farewells to Barcelona following his world-record switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 25-year-old completed by far the biggest transfer of all time earlier this evening, joining PSG on a five-year deal after triggering the €222m (£198m) release clause in his contract at Camp Nou.

Some fans have reacted angrily to the Brazilian's move, but Neymar thanked the club for his four-year spell there and reserved special words for his strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

A post shared by Nj 🇧🇷 👻 neymarjr (@neymarjr)

on Aug 3, 2017 at 12:53pm PDT

The accompanying caption read: "The life of an athlete is challenged. Some are imposed, others are the result of our decisions. Barcelona has been more than a challenge. Played with those cracks in the video game. I arrived in Catalonia at 21, full of challenges. I remember my first days in the Club, sharing the shirt with idols like Messi, Valdés, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Piqué, Busquets and others with the expectation of playing in a Club that is "more than a club". @fcbarcelona is a nation that represents Catalonia!

"I had the honor of playing with the greatest athlete I have ever seen and I am sure I will not see another better, Lionel Messi became my partner, friend on and off the pitch. Proud to play with you. I formed an attack with Messi and Luis Suarez that is left for the history books. I have conquered everything an athlete can conquer. I have lived unforgettable moments! I live 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 go against the wishes of my father. Papa, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is taken, I ask you to support me as you have always done. Barcelona and Catalunya will always be in my heart but I need new challenges. I have accepted the proposal of PSG to find new achievements and help the Club to achieve the titles that the fans hope for. I have presented a daring career plan and I am prepared for this challenge.

"I thank the affection of the Blaugrana fans and all that I have learned from the athletes with whom I have shared the shirt with. 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 honor 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 has suffered a lot with problems that have occurred in this period of my career and deserve peace. It is a difficult decision, but taken with the maturity of my 25 years."

Neymar will wear the number 10 shirt at the Parc des Princes.