Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain have this evening confirmed the world-record signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar for a fee of 222 million Euro.
Saga
The story surrounding Neymar’s proposed move to the Parc des Princes has been hogging the media spotlight worldwide for several weeks now, with conflicting reports as to whether the transfer would eventually go through having emerged on an almost hourly basis.
Confirmation
However, yesterday marked a turning point in the saga, as Barcelona confirmed that Neymar had informed them of his decision to join the Ligue 1 giants, with the club’s hands left tied.
On the move
Earlier this evening, Barca confirmed via the club’s official website that Neymar had in fact paid his own release clause, meaning he was now officially no longer a Blaugrana player.
‘This afternoon, legal representatives of Neymar Jr. have been appointed to the club’s offices and have made, on behalf of the player, the payment of 222 million euros, as compensation for the unilateral termination and without cause of the contract joining both parties.’
‘Likewise, the club will transfer to UEFA the details of this operation so that they deprive the disciplinary responsibilities that may derive from this case.’
Done deal
And the French side have tonight gone one step better, officially announcing the world-record breaking 222 million Euro arrival of Neymar on both their website and across the club’s social media channels:
Paris Saint-Germain is very happy to announce the arrival of Neymar Jr ➡ https://t.co/lKFj4qPDYA #BemvindoNeymarJR 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/rSvlBiKX6D
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 3, 2017
Star speaks
Neymar has since broken his long-standing silence regarding the move, announcing:
‘Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings.’
‘Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious.’
‘The biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help PSG to conquer the titles that their fans want.’
‘I will do everything I can to help my new teamates, open up new horizons and to bring happiness to its supporters around the world.’
In addition, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi announced the following via an official press release:
‘It is with immense joy and lots of pride that we welcome Neymar to PSG. Neymar is today one of the best players in world football. His profound desire to win, his great strength of character and his sense of leadership make him into a truly great player. He will bring us very positive energy. In six years, we have built an ambitious project that has already taken us to the top of national and European football. Today, with the arrival of Neymar, I believe that we will come closer to, with the loyal and fervent support of our fans, the achievement of our greatest dreams.’