“We said, ‘Ney, at least go to England’” - Barcelona hero Luis Suarez says Neymar ignored his advice by joining PSG instead of Premier League club
Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has said that Neymar ignored his advice of moving from the Camp Nou to the Premier League, instead joining Paris Saint-Germain.
The 2017 summer move to the Parc des Princes - worth a reported €222 million - remains a transfer record for any player. Neymar subsequently left PSG last summer and joined Al-Hilal.
During his time at the Camp Nou, Neymar - along with Suarez and Lionel Messi - formed the dreaded MSN triumvirate that terrorised defences in Spain and abroad. They played three seasons together (2014-15 to 2016-17) and won the continental treble in their first campaign. Six more titles - including one La Liga - would follow in the next two seasons before Neymar moved to PSG.
The move came as a surprise to Suarez - who's now at Inter Miami with Messi - telling Placar TV (via Sportbible) that Neymar didn't go to a club like Manchester Ciy:
“(We said), 'Ney. If you want to win it all stay with us (at Barcelona)’. We said 'Ney, at least go to England, Manchester City. Their football is better, but in France. …’”
He added about the Brazilian's potential missed opportunity to win the Ballon d'Or:
“I think if Neymar had stayed at Barcelona, he would have won the Ballon d’Or, for sure.”
Neymar spent an injury-plagued six-season stint at PSG, registering 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 games across competitions.
What Neymar had said on leaving Barcelona for PSG
Former Barcelona striker Neymar had posted a heartfelt message for Lionel Messi and Luis Surarez as he left the Camp Nou to seek a new challenge at the Parc des Princes.
Shortly after the record transfer was announced, Neymar posted a message on Instagram, explaining his pride to have played with the Argentine and Suarez. He had written (as per the BBC):
"Lionel Messi became my teammate, and my friend on and off the pitch. I am proud to have played with you. We formed an attack with Luis Suarez that will endure forever.
"I achieved everything a sportsperson can achieve. I played with these guys in video games. I lived unforgettable moments in a city that is more than a city - it's a homeland.
The former Barca man concluded:
"Barcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart but I need a new challenge. PSG offered a bold new way forward, and I'm ready. Right now, I feel in my heart that it's time to go."
Neymar spent four successful seasons at Barca, contributing 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 games across competitions.