Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. has finally spoken out about his tumultuous departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last year, citing „injustice” and betrayal by the club and some of its fans. In an exclusive interview with RMC Sport, the 31-year-old forward reflected on his six-year stint in France, where he scored 118 goals but failed to deliver the coveted Champions League title.
Neymar’s transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in August 2022 marked a significant turning point in his career, and he has since maintained a low profile, avoiding interviews with French media. However, in his candid conversation with Marion Bartoli and Benoit Boutron, the Brazilian revealed his true feelings about his PSG exit and the circumstances that led to it.
A Bitter End to a Fruitful Tenure
Despite his impressive goal tally, Neymar’s time in Paris was marred by injuries, conflicts, and a perceived lack of commitment from the club and its fans. „I was no longer happy at PSG. The club and the coach didn’t want to count on me,” he said, hinting at a breakdown in trust and communication. „They told me directly, so I had to make a decision. I liked the Al-Hilal proposal, and I got to know the club, the local culture, and the competitions.”
Neymar looked back fondly on his early seasons in France, including the 2020 Champions League final, where PSG ultimately lost to Bayern Munich. However, he expressed dismay at the treatment he received in his final years at the club. „The last two, three years weren’t the same. It wasn’t nice how I was treated. It’s the same with Lionel Messi. For me, it was an injustice, because I always gave my all on the pitch.”
Fan Backlash and a Painful Exit
The Brazilian’s comments were particularly scathing when discussing the fan backlash he faced towards the end of his PSG tenure. In May 2023, a group of fans protested outside his home, chanting insults and attempting to breach his property. „I don’t have any anger, but I was a bit sad because of how I was treated by the fans, especially when they came to my home, wanting to get in, insult me, or hit me. For me, they crossed the line,” Neymar recalled.
Despite shouldering some of the blame for his own actions, Neymar insisted that he held no grudges against the club, only the people in charge and certain fans. „I don’t have any regrets about my time at PSG. It’s the club where I spent the most time in my career – six years. I lived through some very beautiful moments, but also some sad ones. Unfortunately, my relationship with the fans is one of the saddest moments.”
A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia
Since joining Al-Hilal, Neymar has struggled to find his footing, playing only seven matches due to persistent injuries. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about his future in Saudi Arabia, praising the club’s warm welcome and the local culture. „I’m happy here, and I’ll be back on the pitch soon. I got to know the club, the local culture, and the competitions. I was very surprised by the reception I got here and the kindness of the fans.”
As Neymar looks to rebuild his career in the Middle East, his candid reflections on his PSG experience serve as a reminder that even the world’s top footballers can face rejection and heartache.
