Neymar has addressed rumours linking him with a sensational return to Barcelona.
Times have been tough for Barcelona supporters in recent months. Financial problems forced them to let Lionel Messi leave on a free transfer, while former manager Ronald Koeman faced the sacked three months into the season.
However, Barcelona have been a club in decline for some time. Neymar’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017 was the first of many high-profile departures from the Camp Nou.
Read: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang explains why he took wage cut to join Barcelona.
Talents such as Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho have all come and gone from Barcelona across the last decade. Whereas, off the pitch, Barcelona had been slipping into a crisis for some time.
A sky-high wage bill forced the La Liga side to find ways of balancing the books. Letting their best players go for next to nothing would prove their only option. Yet, despite their problems, it hadn’t stopped one former star from dreaming of a return.
Neymar confirms Barcelona return was on his wish list
Speaking on a podcast hosted by fellow Brazilian legend Ronaldo, Neymar opened up about his relationship with Barcelona:
“I’ve previously tried to return back to Barcelona,” explained Neymar.
Featuring 186 times during his Barcelona career, it’s no shock Neymar holds the Blaugrana in such high esteem.
But, how close did the Brazillian come to a Barcelona return?
Rumoured to have wanted out of PSG in 2019, Neymar confirmed he’d explored all possibilities:
“We tried everything, but it wasn’t possible,” claimed Neymar when asked about a return to Barcelona.
Now aged 30-years-old, it would appear Neymar’s chances of returning to the Camp Nou have gone. However, the forward admitted he’s much happier in the French capital than he was before:
“Then, Leo (Messi) was presented with an opportunity to come here to Paris; I’m so happy.
“We’re good friends and get along well,” confessed Neymar.
Messi and Neymar were two members of the prolific Barcelona trio dubbed ‘MSN’. Suarez made up the trifecta, and the three helped fire the La Liga side to Champions League glory in 2014/15.
What next for Neymar after PSG and Barcelona?
Unlikely to end his career in Paris, Neymar has already turned his attentions towards his next career move.
Speaking on the Fenomenos Podcast, Neymar hinted at his next possible destination:
“I’d love to play in the MLS, actually,” the Brazilian admitted. “I’d love to play there at least for a season.”
With many of football’s greatest talents venturing to the US at some point in their careers, Neymar would undoubtedly thrive in MLS.
However, Neymar’s reasoning behind a stateside switch was so he could enjoy a more extended pre-season break:
“Their season is longer, so I’d get four months vacation,” joked Neymar.
