Former Barcelona star slams Neymar for 'throwing in the towel' and choosing money over football

Neymar has been accused of "throwing in the towel" by joining the Saudi Pro League rather than "leading the world" in Europe.

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed on Tuesday that Neymar had ditched Paris Saint-Germain in favour of a move to Al Hilal, in a deal worth a reported £86 million.

The 31-year-old is allegedly set to earn an eye-watering salary of £138 million per season during his time in the Middle East.

But former Barcelona striker Jonathan Soriano, who played for Al Hilal in 2019, reckons the Brazilian has made the wrong decision, believing he could have "led world football" alongside Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland had he stayed.

“Neymar has enough quality to lead a team looking to win the Champions League", Soriano told Dazn (quotes via The Sun). "I believe that he has thrown in the towel.

"There is no Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, so he could have led world football along with Mbappe and Haaland.

"Instead, he has decided to earn more money.”

However, Neymar has revealed that the money was not his main motivation behind the move, claiming that he is eager to test himself in new places

He said (quotes via talkSPORT): “I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places.

“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment.

“I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.”

“Al Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club.

“I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al Hilal.”