Neymar Jr could have played for Real Madrid over Barcelona, but Lionel Messi’s role makes decision easier.
Neymar’s four-year stay at Barcelona was undoubtedly the stuff of legends.
The Brazilian international, along with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, formed what is probably the greatest front three in history after a sluggish start to life at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The 30-year-chemistry old’s with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain is still a thing of beauty, and the player’s former agent has disclosed the Argentine legend’s part in the mega-transfer.
“He wanted Neymar, he made a lot of offers, and Barcelona did as well. Barcelona responded to every proposition Madrid made.
Messi was required for the signing, according to him, and Madrid withdrew from the bidding when he agreed to join Barça, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Despite not playing football in Europe, Neymar continues to generate unrivaled excitement.
It got to the point where the quick-footed winger was among the top 10 candidates for the 2011 Ballon d’Or award.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Lionel Messi was looking forward to Neymar’s arrival given that he was widely regarded as a generational potential.
A number of elite European teams appeared to be in a bidding war for the then wonderkid’s signature at the time.
According to reports, Premier League teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United were particularly interested in signing him.
The battle to recruit Neymar, though, always looked to be between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
In the end, Neymar’s decision to join the Blaugrana in 2013 was influenced by the presence of Lionel Messi, who is widely regarded as the best player of all time, breaking the hearts of Madrid supporters.
