Former Barcelona Star Neymar Expresses Dissatisfaction with Paris Saint-Germain
Previously starring for FC Barcelona, Neymar expressed his dissatisfaction with his past team Paris Saint-Germain during an interview with RMC Sport in France.
Joining the Qatari-backed Ligue 1 powerhouse in 2017, Neymar joined the ranks after they broke the world transfer record by activating his $233 million (€222 million) release clause.
Spanning a six-year journey in the French capital, Neymar managed to collect numerous domestic trophies but was unable to secure a Champions League title for Paris Saint-Germain or win the Ballon d'Or for himself.
The summer of 2023 saw Paris Saint-Germain bid farewell to two of its prominent figures, Lionel Messi and Neymar. While the former made the hop across the Atlantic to Inter Miami, Neymar opted for a move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in a reported $94.5 million (€90 million) deal.
Though he scarcely provided interviews to French media outlets, Neymar found time to discuss the move and his Ligue 1 adventure with RMC Sport.
"My stint at Paris Saint-Germain was both good and bad... Good, as I consider my football matched the height of my career's best moments. Bad, because of those prolonged injuries and frequent setbacks," Neymar reminisced.
"There was an element of melancholy, hence I won't forget the affectionate experiences I had here, especially during the Champions League final. Though we came up short, a final is decided by fine details... The experience of playing in Ligue 1 was a valuable one, and the supporters treated me well. I penned my story in Ligue 1 and take pride in it."
Neymar described his choice of leaving Paris Saint-Germain, "The opportunity to join Al Hilal emerged after I grew disenchanted with Paris Saint-Germain... I left, as the club and coach had already explored alternative options for me. The offer from Al Hilal me intrigued me. After familiarizing myself with the club, culture, and league, I warmly welcomed their proposal."
"My reception here was a delightful surprise, and the fans' warmth and friendliness were overwhelming. The league is progressing, and our team is thriving, and my family and I feel confident we've made the ideal decision."
Neymar noted that despite a promising debut year in France, "The experience of my initial year in France was unforgettable. The French and their supporters displayed immense affection towards me."
"However, the last two or three years didn't appear as fantastic as my debut. I wasn't favored by the fans the same way, a similar experience Messi encountered. I felt it was an injustice as I've always delivered on the pitch. I harbor no ill will, but I was disappointed by the fans' conduct, particularly when they targeted my home and attempted to invade my personal space or belittle me."
"It's a scenario that transcended decency. My respect for them eroded. I've consistently respected them, but that situation became quite complex. Naturally, I was disheartened by their response, but it's all behind me now. I hold no grudge against Paris Saint-Germain and wish them continued success."
Regarding his relationship with the club, Neymar asserted, "No grudge whatsoever I hold against the club, only against certain key individuals and a faction of its supporters."
"That's ancient history now. Paris Saint-Germain remains the club where I invested the most time in my career, spanning six years. I've cherished my time there, bearing the downtrodden sentiments, unfortunately. Yet in sporting terms, it's the finest football I've played, thus I am content and unburdened."
With his Al-Hilal contract expiring mid-2025, Neymar has been rumored to be linked with a reunion with his ex-club Santos, who recently re-emerged in the Brazilian top flight known as the Serie A or Brasileirao.
- Neymar, in his conversation with RMC Sport, mentioned the potential of returning to his former club Santos in Brazil after his contract with Al-Hilal expires in 2025.
- During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar expressed affection for teammate Lionel Messi, who later joined him in Inter Miami.
- Despite facing criticism from Paris Saint-Germain fans, Neymar has fond memories of playing alongside Brazilian superstar Lionel Messi in Ligue 1.
