Real reason I chose Barca over Real Madrid – Neymar reveals

Football icon Neymar has disclosed that his decision to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid was guided by his heart rather than logic.  

In an exclusive interview with Brazilian football legend Romário, published on Friday, Neymar opened up about the pivotal days leading to his career-defining move. He expressed his deep affection for Barcelona and the emotional connection that ultimately influenced his choice.

“I don’t regret my choice to pick Barcelona over Real Madrid. I went with my heart there,” Neymar said.

The forward explained that he had been a long-time admirer of the Catalan club, dating back to Ronaldinho’s era.

“Barça was the team I loved. I always watched, and I always said: I want to play there. It happened.”

According to him, the transfer saga was anything but straightforward, with both clubs vying for Neymar’s signature.

“Those were intense days. It was two or three days where I wasn’t even training, just going from my house to the office to resolve this,” Neymar revealed.

He recounted being torn between the two Spanish giants, with representatives from both clubs persistently contacting him.

“Real Madrid’s people were calling me from one side, and Barcelona’s people were calling me from the other. Both presidents were talking to me. I couldn’t rationalise. I imagined myself playing for both.”

In the end, Neymar said his heart “spoke louder,” leading him to choose Barcelona over Real Madrid.

Neymar further revealed that a significant influence on his decision was the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi, who he had admired for years.

“I obviously wanted to play with Messi!” Neymar said.

The camaraderie between the two stars proved instrumental in shaping Neymar’s time at Barcelona.

However, according to him, his initial months at the club were anything but easy.

Neymar struggled to adapt, often doubting himself.

“I spent the first six months at Barça with butterflies in my stomach. I was like…, I can’t dribble anyone, I can’t get by anyone, I’m doing everything all wrong.”

Neymar recounted one low point that came during a match against Athletic Bilbao, where he broke down in tears at halftime.

“I went into the washroom crying by myself, thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ Then Messi knocked on the door,” he recalled.

Messi, along with Dani Alves, reassured Neymar and encouraged him to play without pressure.

He noted that their support helped Neymar regain his confidence and become one of the world’s top players during his time at Barcelona.

Looking back, Neymar said he has no regrets about his career choices.

“All of the mistakes I had in my career, in my life choices were to help me grow, help me mature. So I don’t regret anything,” he told Romário.