Neymar chooses Barcelona over Real Madrid
“On Monday, I sign a contract with Barcelona. I want to thank the Santos fans for nine incredible years,” wrote the 21-year-old.
Brazil’s Neymar announced Saturday on his Instagram account that he is to join FC Barcelona, who have edged out their great Spanish rivals Real Madrid in a tussle for the young striker’s services.
“On Monday, I sign a contract with Barcelona. I want to thank the Santos fans for nine incredible years,” wrote the 21-year-old.
Santos had received offers for Neymar from both Barca and Real, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais, quoting the club’s vice-president. Barca confirmed the move on Sunday.
“FC Barcelona and Santos FC have agreed to terms for Neymar da Silva Junior. The Brazilian forward will don the Blaugrana strip for the next five seasons,” said a statement on the club’s website.
Despite his tender age, Neymar has been a first-team regular for Santos for the past four years, scoring 156 goals and providing 77 assists in 256 matches.
In 2011, he guided them to their first Copa Libertadores triumph since when Pele represented the club in the 1960s, and he has already established himself at international level, scoring 20 times in 32 appearances with Brazil.