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Neymar explains Real Madrid snub

New Barcelona signing Neymar reveals that he turned down a similar offer from Real Madrid because of family reasons.

New Barcelona signing Neymar has revealed that he chose the Catalan club ahead of Madrid because of family reasons.

Neymar completed his reported £50m move to the Primera Division champions this afternoon, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2018.

Real Madrid tabled a similar offer to Barcelona's for the Brazilian, but Neymar insists that his heart was always set on a move to Barca.

"Barca and Madrid are two great clubs. I was happy that both wanted me but my heart was with Barca," said the 21-year-old.

"It was a family decision but I had the final word, and none of us were motivated by money. I don't work for the money and I don't worry about the numbers.

"I'm going to adapt really quickly to European football so I can help the Barca cause."

Neymar, who scored 136 goals in 225 appearances for Santos, has already spoken of his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi.

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Santos' Neymar prior to the start of the match against Flamingo on May 26, 2013
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