Barcelona superstar Neymar reveals why he snubbed Real Madrid
Neymar has revealed he snubbed Real Madrid at the age of 13. He was also articulate as he explained it was because he was not ready to move away from Brazil.
Barcelona superstar Neymar reveals why he snubbed Real Madrid
Before signing Neymar, Barcelona had to struggle rather hard. They had to win the battle with Real Madrid for the Brazilian star. In fact, Los Blancos were, in 2005, very a close to signing the forward. A young Neymar had a contract with Real Madrid. Although in the end he left it behind and it never really received validity. Neymar was not at all prepared to move Europe at that stage.
The Samba superstar came to the Spanish capital for a trial with the La Liga giants back in the year 2005. But decided to stay with Santos.
Neymar, now 23, then remained in his homeland for eight years before switching to Barcelona. He admitted he was too young at the time Real came calling.
He told L’Equipe: “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.
“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.”
He also rejected the chance to come to Europe back in 2010. It was despite having big offers on the table. “It was a decision that I took myself, along with some family members. In this moment, many young Brazilians were receiving offers and going to Europe, but I decided to stay here.”
