Neymar praises former teammate Lionel Messi

Neymar left for PSG, following his €222m (£198.5m) move to the French capital he is set to lead the team in the coming season, the Brazilian said his goodbyes to his former club and his teammates but reserves special tributes to his famous strike partner Lionel Messi.

“They showed me a daring career plan and I feel ready to take on this challenge. PSG will be my home for the next years and I will work hard to honour all of the trust placed in my football.”

“Barcelona was much more than a challenge; it was the dream of a child who played with those stars through the video game.

“I arrived at Catalonia when I was 21 years old, filled with challenges. I can still remember my first days in the club, sharing the changing room with idols like Messi, Valdés, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Piqué, Busquets and many others.

“I had the honour of playing with the best athlete I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m sure that I will never see another one like him while I’m alive.

“Leo Messi became my friend in and out of the pitch. It was an honour to play with you. I made a trio of Messi and Suárez that made history.”

Neymar is set to team up with his new striking partners Edison Cavani and Angel di Maria when the season starts this weekend.