There were numerous reasons Neymar could have left Barcelona for PSG for in the summer. Teammate Dani Alves, who made the same move via Juventus, confirmed why he thinks his fellow Brazilian swapped La Liga for Ligue 1.
Why does any footballer move from one club to another? Same reason anyone moves from any job to another, job satisfaction namely. Whether that's down to money, playing time or anything else it all boils down to that simple fact.
So when Neymar decided to move from Barcelona to PSG in the summer it still came as a bit of a shock, after all he was already playing for Barca, what more job satisfaction could any footballer want.
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It's not like the Brazilian wasn't already one of the best players in the world, making a hell of a lot of money, starting every week and winning trophies, the usual check list of a player's happiness.
Just why the world's most expensive footballer ever decided to swap Spain for France has been the discussion of much talk but Dani Alves, also currently at PSG having played for Barca, told FIFA's website it was all about Lionel Messi's shadow, saying:
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"I think he's up there with Messi as the most influential player in world football.
"The thing is, he had to come out of his shadow a little. Playing with someone as unique as Leo is the most incredible thing that can happen to you, but there's always that doubt in your mind if it's you that really has the quality or if it's him."
Neymar doesn't exactly come across as the kind of player who would question his own ability just because he's playing alongside someone else really good, even if that other 'really good' person could be the best player ever.
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Alves also suggested the move was better for the national team and Neymar's own personal triumphs, adding, "I always loved playing with him [Messi], but he's Argentinian and Neymar and I are Brazilians. Sooner or later we had to come up against each other.
"I think you've got a better chance of achieving things individually when you're not so close to a player like him. It was important for Ney's own development and for Brazil for him to follow his own path."
Maybe better for Brazil, although I'm still not convinced about that, but the desperation to win individual awards seems pretty counterintuitive to a team sport and always will, sorry Ballon d'Or fans...
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Dani Alves, Football News, Barcelona, Ligue 1, PSG, Neymar, France