Neymar Jr has admitted that he wanted to leave PSG and return to Barcelona because he “felt better” there.
After PSG triggered his £199 million release clause, the Brazilian superstar left the Camp Nou in the summer of 2017 for a world record transfer cost.
Yet, two years later, Neymar was seeking to push his way back to Barcelona amid reports that he was unhappy in Paris.
It was widely assumed that Neymar first departed the Blaugrana to get away from Lionel Messi’s shadow, only to later admit that he had made a mistake.
His departure in 2017 had shattered the deadly attacking trio of Neymar, Messi, and Luis Suarez, and he intended to rejoin with his former teammates — with whom he remained good friends outside of football – in 2019.
Neymar is the subject of a new documentary named The Perfect Chaos, which chronicles several moments in his career, including his desire to return to Barcelona.
Neymar recalls wanting to leave the Parc des Princes in 2019, just two years after joining the club, because he felt more at home with Barcelona.
“It wasn’t because of a fan or a club that I decided to leave PSG,” the superstar says in the documentary.
“It’s because I noticed that I was happier somewhere else.”
“I’ve never had anything against PSG supporters or the club itself.” That was never the case. I’m extremely appreciative.”
“I had to exercise and be prepared, even though I didn’t want to.”
“Because if I play poorly, everyone will point the finger at me: if we lose, I’m the first person to blame; I understand the weight and responsibility I bear.”
Barca then spent the entire summer of 2019 publicly stating that they hoped to re-sign the Brazilian superstar.
However, due to the club’s financial situation, this was never a realistic option, but they needed to send a message to forwards Messi and Suarez that they were trying to reach an agreement.
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona were unable to fulfill Neymar’s wishes for a return, and instead signed Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid after triggering his £98 million release clause the following summer.
Neymar’s father and agent also confirms his son’s plans to leave the French city, after initially cautioning him against doing so.
“He wanted to leave PSG and return to Barca,” said Neymar Snr.
“I didn’t want him to leave PSG, but who do I work for?” says the player.
“We attempted to part ways gently with PSG, but it did not work out.”
In the years afterwards, Neymar has remained at PSG and is now in his sixth full season at the Parc des Princes, where he has reunited with Messi.