Neymar has reflected on his move to Barcelona, advice from Dani Alves, comparisons with Ronaldinho and on when he played against the Catalans.
The 21-year-old was presented to 60,000 fans and then the gathered media on Monday, having completed a €57m transfer from Santos.
“It was the moment to leave. It was the moment to find new things,” explained Neymar in an interview with Barca’s in-house television channel.
“Being a Barca player means that I’ve realised my dream.”
The player recently admitted that Dani Alves continually encouraged him to move to the Camp Nou.
“Dani has always had good things to say about Barcelona. He speaks well of the city, but especially the group, the team.
“This team is marvellous. Great players play here, they are good friends, and that’s important for a team.
“Dani told me that this is what I’d find in Barcelona. He encouraged me to come. Adriano also spoke to me about Barca, and he also encouraged me. And now I’m here.
“Adriano has welcomed me to the club and he wished me luck. he is a great person. We have a fantastic relationship, and now I get to be in the same team as my friend.”
The Brazilian has earned comparisons with Barca’s former Brazilian star Ronaldinho, a player who Neymar reflected is one of his first memories of watching La Blaugrana.
“Well, I remember his plays, his dribbles. I remember him winning every title at the Camp Nou.
“Can I compare to him? No, no one can compare to Ronaldinho. He made history at Barca, he made history with Brazil, and he’s still making history.
“In my case, I’m starting to make history, and I hope to leave my mark at Barca.”
The forward was asked of his experience in playing against the Catalans in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup for Santos in 2011.
“What impressed me the most was the simplicity of Barca’s football. The fact that it was directed towards achieving and objective and at the same time it was very adaptable.
“The simplicity with which Barca were able to impose themselves in each game was really sensational.
“Barca left everyone with open mouths, not just Barca fans, but the Press and the Santos players, too.”
