Neymar Reveals Why He Played For FC Barcelona Instead Of Real Madrid

Brazilian forward, Neymar has opened up about his decision to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid, highlighting that his choice was guided by emotional fulfilment rather than mere logic.

In a recent interview with Brazilian football legend Romário, Neymar shared insights into the pivotal moments leading up to his life-changing move, emphasizing his deep connection with Barcelona and the emotional factors that influenced his decision.

“I have no regrets about choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid; I followed my heart in that moment,” Neymar expressed.

He elaborated on his long-standing admiration for the Catalan club, a passion that began during Ronaldinho’s time at the club.

“Barça was the team I loved. I always watched their matches and often thought, ‘I want to play there.’ And then, it truly happened,” he said.

Neymar recalled the complexity of the transfer process, marked by intense negotiations involving both clubs eager to secure his signature.

“The days leading up to the decision were incredibly intense. There were two or three days where I didn’t even train; I was just moving back and forth between home and the office to finalize everything,” he revealed.

He described the emotional struggle of being courted by both Spanish giants, with representatives from each side constantly reaching out to him.

“On one side, I had calls from Real Madrid, and on the other, calls from Barcelona. Both presidents were in contact with me. It was tough to think clearly; I could envision myself playing for either club,” Neymar recounted.

Ultimately, he stated that his emotions guided him, resulting in a heartfelt choice for Barcelona over Real Madrid.

Another significant factor in his decision was the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi, a player he had admired for years.

“Playing with Messi was certainly a dream of mine!” Neymar shared.

The bond between the two stars played a crucial role in Neymar’s success during his time at Barcelona. However, he admitted that his initial months at the club were quite challenging.

“I spent the first six months at Barça feeling nervous, like I couldn’t dribble or get past anyone—I felt like I was making mistakes everywhere,” Neymar reflected.

He recalled a particularly tough moment during a match against Athletic Bilbao, where he found himself in tears at halftime.

“I went to the washroom and cried, wondering, ‘What am I doing here?’ Then Messi knocked on the door,” he shared.

Messi, along with Dani Alves, provided reassurance and encouraged Neymar to play freely and without pressure.

Neymar acknowledged that their support was vital in helping him restore his confidence and eventually excel as one of the world’s top players at Barcelona.

Looking back on his journey, Neymar expressed a sense of gratitude for all his experiences.

“All the mistakes I made in my career and my life choices helped me grow and mature. So, I truly don’t regret anything,” he told Romário.