Neymar Jr.'s new 'stick' to his time at Paris Saint-Germain: "The same thing happened to Messi..."

Could Neymar Jr.'s tenure at Paris Saint-Germain be classified as a complete failure? The talented 'number 10' of the 'Seleção' joined the Parisian team in the summer of 2017, after establishing himself as one of the world's best forwards while playing for FC Barcelona. 'Ney' sought to take a step forward by joining PSG to become the leading figure in a sporting project, something that was proving difficult at Barcelona, where Lionel Messi stood out as the undisputed star.

Over six seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar Jr. amassed an impressive array of accomplishments, including 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 appearances, as well as winning 14 titles with the club. However, despite these achievements, there remains a feeling that he fell short of capturing the most important and coveted prize: the UEFA Champions League. This trophy eluded him during his time with the French side.

Now, apparently the conclusion of Neymar Jr.'s time at Paris Saint-Germain was not the most suitable, according to his own statements in an interview with 'RMC Sport'. The player from Mogi das Cruzes explained the reasons that led him to leave the Parisian team and accept the lucrative offer from Al-Hilal in 2023.

The reason 'Ney' left PSG and joined Al-Hilal

Neymar Jr. revealed how uncomfortable he felt in his final days at Paris Saint-Germain and explained: "I decided to leave PSG and then this offer to join Al-Hilal came. I received it right after leaving because I simply wasn't happy there at PSG. The club and the coach no longer counted on me. They had already discussed it with me, so I had to make a decision."

In that line of reasoning, 'Ney' explained how, even though he seemed to still have plenty to offer in European football, he chose to join Al-Hilal, a move that many labeled as a 'golden retirement'. The former FC Barcelona player affirmed: "And I liked the offer from Al-Hilal. I got to know the club, the local culture, and the league. I was very surprised by my welcome here and the kindness of the fans. The league is developing, our team as well, and my family and I are confident we made the right decision."

The 'bitter pill' Neymar Jr. experienced with PSG fans and the institution

Furthermore, Neymar Jr. delved into the reasons that made him contemplate leaving Paris Saint-Germain, indicating that they were probably the same reasons that prompted Leo Messi not to renew his contract with the Parisian club. "The first year was magnificent. The French and the fans welcomed me very well. The last two or three years were not the same, the way they treated me wasn't incredible, the same happened to Messi. Regarding me, it was unfair because I've always given my all on the field," 'Ney' pointed out.

"I don't hold a grudge, but I was a little saddened by the way some fans treated me, especially when they came to my house, when they wanted to invade my house, insult me, or even physically harm me. In my opinion, they crossed the line. Our relationship ceased to be respectful, whereas I have always respected them... It was a really tough situation. In the end, I was saddened by the way they treated me, but it's all behind me now," concluded the left winger.

How did the 'number 10's' relationship with the Parisian team end up?

Finally, Neymar Jr. concluded his statement by making it clear that he harbors no resentment towards Paris Saint-Germain. The challenges faced and the end of this chapter are issues he has left in the past, emphasizing that he experienced a very positive period in terms of sports while being a player for the French team. "I respect PSG and will always support them to achieve the best results. I hold no grudge against the club, only against some of its executives and some of its followers. But that's all in the past," noted the left winger.

"This is the club where I've spent the most time in my career, six years. I've had great moments, but also some sad ones. And my relationship with the fans is one of the sad moments, unfortunately. But in terms of sports, it's been the best football I've played. So I'm happy and have a clear conscience," concluded Neymar.