Barcelona ace Neymar has finally spoken out about his decision not to join Los Blancos as a teenager.
Neymar had a trial at the Spanish giants but decided against a move to Real Madrid as he did not feel comfortable with the setting and did not want to move to Europe. The Brazilian superstar visited the Bernabeu when he was just 13 years of age, but decided to remain at Santos for a further 8 years before moving to Madrid’s arch rivals Barcelona.
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In an interview with L’Equipe, Neymar revealed his thought process behind his decision to stay in Brazil, stating that he was still not mature enough to move to one of European football’s biggest leagues. ‘I was 13, it was the first time I came to Europe. At that time, I did not feel comfortable, I did not see myself happy and able to stay away from Brazil so young.’
He went on to say, “I did not feel it and I was not in a hurry - there was no emergency. The priority was that I was happy, that I become a professional footballer and then I could come to play in Europe.”
Neymar, 4 years after turning professional, joined Barcelona in 2013 and has since then forged a fine relationship up front with Lionel Messi. The duo were then joined by Luis Suarez the following season and are now considered the best front 3 in the world.
Neymar has had a spectacular few seasons at Barcelona. He has amassed 55 goals in 93 appearances for the club. In just three years at the Nou Camp, Neymar has won two La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey titles, one Champions League and the Club World Cup.
His international record is enviable too. In 70 appearances, the striker has scored 46 times, making him the fifth highest goal scorer for his nation.
All in all, Neymar’s decision to stay at Santos was a wise one. Still just 24, Neymar is poised to become one of the greatest players to have ever played the ‘Beautiful Game.’
