I would have been thrilled if Neymar came back: Messi
What's the story
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has finally opened up on Neymar and stated that the player was really keen on a return. The comment comes days after Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu saying that Neymar tried everything to force a move to the Spanish champions from Paris Saint-Germain. Messi said that he would have been thrilled if Neymar came back. Here's more.
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Neymar really wanted to return back: Messi
"I don't know if the club [Barcelona] wanted it to happen. What I do know is that Neymar really wanted it. But I understand it is very difficult to negotiate with PSG," said the GOAT in an interview to Sport.
Transfer
Neymar transfer saga ruled the summer transfer window
The saga involving Neymar has been a long one since the start of the summer transfer window. PSG were keen to let him go and didn't want to keep an unhappy player. Barca and Real Madrid were both interested in a move but nothing materialized. Reports had claimed that Neymar was also willing to take a pay cut. However, things weren't meant to be.
Messi on Neymar
I understand that not everyone agrees, says Messi
Messi said that he is not sure about how much Barca wanted Neymar after the manner in which he left Barca in 2017 for the French champions. "I would be thrilled if Neymar came back," said the Argentine. "I understand that not everyone agrees. That's normal after everything that happened around Ney, the way in which he left, the way he abandoned us."
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'I would have liked it if he had come'
"I am not disappointed. I would have liked it if he had come and been with us but, as I have said, we have an exceptional squad to challenge for every title, even without him," said Messi.
Neymar at PSG
Neymar has had a tough journey at PSG
Neymar has had a difficult journey at PSG. Injuries and suspensions have bothered him. The Brazilian has scored 51 goals in 58 appearances and won a host of trophies. However, he has a lot of work to do in terms of making a serious impact like that of Kylian Mbappe or Edinson Cavani. It remains to be seen how Neymar performs this season.