Neymar opens up on rejecting Real Madrid for Barcelona: ‘I’d have made 3 times more money’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona star Neymar Jr. has this week provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to reject the advances of Real Madrid, in favour of joining the Blaugrana.

Wide-man Neymar of course enjoyed the standout years of his career on the books of Barcelona.

After sealing a big-money Camp Nou switch in the summer of 2013, the Brazilian international went on to dazzle as part of the famed ‘MSN’ frontline.

All told, across his time in Catalunya’s capital, Neymar racked up a pair of La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, as well as the Champions League.

And yet, had things played out just a little differently, the 33-year-old could have ended up plying his trade for Barcelona’s fiercest rivals.

Speaking during an appearance on ‘Podpah’ (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) this week, Neymar was drawn on Real Madrid’s past interest in his signature.

And the Santos star went on to explain:

“Real Madrid’s offer was a blank check, they told me I can have whatever I want… but I wanted Barça with my heart. I’d have made 3 times more money at Real Madrid. Florentino always liked me. But Ronaldinho played there and I wanted to play with Messi.”

Conor Laird – GSFN