Neymar After Dumping Barcelona Says ‘I Followed My Heart’

Neymar has taken his first steps out onto the Parc des Princes turf as a PSG player.

The Brazilian has become the most expensive footballer of all time, and was unveiled to the world as a Paris player on Friday morning.

Neymar, accompanied by his sizable entourage, headed out into the stadium for the first time to don his new club colours.

Neymar gives a big, emotional hug to his mother Nadine Santos after being unveiled at PSG

The Brazilian superstar has completed his incredible, shock transfer from Barcelona

The 25-year-old was in very high spirits as he celebrated the record-breaking move with family

Neymar emerged onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes for the first time as a PSG player

The Brazilian made his way out on the turf along with Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Neymar proudly holds aloft the his new No 10 shirt which he will wear for his new side

The striker’s large entourage joined him out on the Paris pitch to soak up the special occasion

Neymar offers a high five to a young, suited-up member of the waiting party

The 25-year-old posed for a series of pictures with Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, pulling on his new No 10 shirt as the cameras flashed away.

Many believed the huge transfer would not happen, after PSG initially declared both an interest in the player and willingness to meet his astronomical £198m release-clause.

But after the situation progressed, and Neymar realised he needed a new challenge, the move of the century was put into place.

At a press conference held on Friday, Neymar said: ‘The club has a very similar ambition to mine, I want a bigger challenge. My heart made this decision, that is why I am in front of you today to help this team.

A ball was then handed to the 25-year-old for him to pull off a series of freestyle tricks

Skills are the bread and butter of Neymar’s game, and he was happy to oblige

The 25-year-old will be the spearhead of the PSG front line next season, in France and Europe

Neymar focuses as he dazzled the waiting cameras with a series of tricks and skills

The former Barca man looked composed as he effortlessly balanced the ball on his head

‘Being a star did not impact my decision, it is down to me wanting to find a new challenge. I am looking for something new. This is what PSG want, and they deserve it.

‘I leave a lot of very good friends behind, but that’s football. You make friends wherever you go, and that’s the main thing. It was the right time to leave and look for something different. Being the most expensive player is not a burden, I am happy.

‘I spoke with Brazilian players here at PSG, and they were happy for me to be here. I feel like I am at home already.’

Neymar said he was saddened by criticism from some Barca fans after deciding to leave and that while he respected the Catalan giants he had the right to seek a new challenge.

Boardings around the entire stadium (seen behind) were illuminated with Neymar’s name

The transfer has seen Neymar become comfortably the most expensive player of all time

The astonishing £198million transfer obliterates that of the former record fee of Paul Pogba

‘Two days ago I informed the coach, he was the first to know, I respect the club and the coach,’ he said. ‘I am very happy with my decision, I am excited.

‘I’ve done nothing bad, I never lack respect to the fans, I think every player should be allowed to stay or leave a club. When a player thinks it is right to leave, they should be able to leave.’

PSG kick-off their domestic season on Saturday with a clash against Amiens.