Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has revealed the real reason behind Neymar’s decision to part ways with the Catalan giants in August.
Neymar left Barcelona where he spent four successful years and joined PSG on a world-record deal.
The Brazilian was part of an explosive frontline at Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi and Luiz Suarez but joined PSG amid rumours that he wanted to come out of Mess’s shadow to be the main man elsewhere.
Neymar has displayed incredible form since his move to the Ligue 1 club – with 15 goals to his name in all competitions so far this season and Pique made it clear that there are no hard feelings and his relationship with the Brazilian will always remain the same despite his shock switch to PSG.
“You try to do the best for your club and you also create relationships and friendships – with Neymar my relationship is really strong,” he told The Telegraph.
“Even though it really hurt the club when he left.
“As a friend I could understand his decision and why he wanted to go to Paris. I tried to be fair to him no matter what.
“As a Barcelona fan it hurts and I understand that maybe some Barcelona fans are disappointed about how he left.
“But it is very difficult to find a player who stays at the same club for the whole of their career.
“They need more motivation, they want to fight for new things. I know Neymar wanted the Ballon d’Or so I think it is fair he left for Paris where he will be the main star.
“If he does a good job in the Champions League and in France he has options to win the Ballon d’Or.”
