Neymar says he is “extremely happy” to join Paris Saint-Germain after signing a five-year contract with the French giants.
PSG announced on their website late on Thursday night that they have formally acquired the Brazilian’s services until June 30, 2022 after his buyout clause of a world-record €222 million (about R3.53 billion) was paid to Barcelona earlier in the day.
It is more than double the amount Manchester United paid Juventus to sign Paul Pogba last year for €105 million.
“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain. Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want,” Neymar, who will wear the No 10 jersey for PSG, said in a statement.
Done deal 😉✅
🇧🇷 #BemvindoNeymarJR pic.twitter.com/NF6jopCR70
— PSG English (@PSG_English) August 3, 2017
“Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe, and I feel ready to take the challenge. From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world.”
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi believed Neymar could help the club “realise our greatest dreams”.
“It is with immense joy and pride that we welcome Neymar Jr to Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar Jr is today one of the very best players in world football. His winning mentality, strength of character and sense of leadership have made him into a great player. He will bring a very positive energy to this club.
— PSG English (@PSG_English) August 3, 2017
“In six years, we have built a very ambitious project that has already taken us to the highest level of national and European football.
“Today, with the arrival of Neymar Jr, I am convinced that we will come even closer, with the support of our faithful fans, to realising our greatest dreams.”
The 25-year-old Neymar has also earned 77 caps for Brazil, scoring an incredible 55 international goals, while he spearheaded the national Under-23 to the gold medal at last year’s Rio Olympics.
PSG stated that Neymar will be unveiled on Friday at 1.30pm local time at the Parc des Princes stadium.