OFFICIAL: Neymar to join Barcelona from Santos next season
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Brazil and Santos forward Neymar announced on Saturday that he is moving to Barcelona and will sign a contract next Monday.
The decision came a day after Santos said they had accepted two offers for Neymar, reported to be from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and that it was up to the 21-year-old to pick where he wanted to play.
Neymar has now agreed terms with the Catalan giants and broke the news through a moving post on his Instagram and Facebook accounts.
"It is not going to hold out until Monday. My family and friends already know of my decision. On Monday I will sign a contract with Barcelona.
"I want to thank Santos fans for these nine incredible years. My feelings for the club and the fans will never change. It is eternal!
"Only a club like Santos FC could give me everything I experienced on and off the field. I thank the wonderful Peixe fans who supported me even in the most difficult moments.
"Titles, goals, dribbling, celebrations and songs that fans created for me will be forever in my heart.
"I made it sure that I play (this last match) so I can have the opportunity to once again enter the field wearing the team's jersey and to hear the fan chant my name.
"It's a different situation for me. It's sad because it's a farewell and happy because it's a new challenge."
The transfer deal reportedly will be worth around €28 million, with the player's deal tying him to the Spanish champions until the summer of 2018.
Neymar will earn around €7 million a year at the Camp Nou, which has also agreed to play two friendly matches against Santos - one at home and another away - as part of the deal.
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| Neymar is leaving Santos to play for Spanish champions Barcelona next season Photo: AP |
The decision came a day after Santos said they had accepted two offers for Neymar, reported to be from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and that it was up to the 21-year-old to pick where he wanted to play.
Neymar has now agreed terms with the Catalan giants and broke the news through a moving post on his Instagram and Facebook accounts.
"It is not going to hold out until Monday. My family and friends already know of my decision. On Monday I will sign a contract with Barcelona.
"I want to thank Santos fans for these nine incredible years. My feelings for the club and the fans will never change. It is eternal!
"Only a club like Santos FC could give me everything I experienced on and off the field. I thank the wonderful Peixe fans who supported me even in the most difficult moments.
"Titles, goals, dribbling, celebrations and songs that fans created for me will be forever in my heart.
"I made it sure that I play (this last match) so I can have the opportunity to once again enter the field wearing the team's jersey and to hear the fan chant my name.
"It's a different situation for me. It's sad because it's a farewell and happy because it's a new challenge."
The transfer deal reportedly will be worth around €28 million, with the player's deal tying him to the Spanish champions until the summer of 2018.
Neymar will earn around €7 million a year at the Camp Nou, which has also agreed to play two friendly matches against Santos - one at home and another away - as part of the deal.
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