It’s Official! PSG Sign Barcelona Forward Neymar For World Record 222m Euros

Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the signing of Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record €222 million fee after activating the Brazil international’s buyout clause on Thursday.

Paris Saint-Germain is very happy to announce the arrival of Neymar Jr ➡ https://t.co/lKFj4qPDYA #BemvindoNeymarJR http://pic.twitter.com/rSvlBiKX6D

— PSG Officiel (@PSG_inside) August 3, 2017

The deal for the Brazilian forward smashes the previous record set when Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus for £89m in August 2016.

Rencontre de présidents entre Nasser Al-Khelaïfi et Emmanuel Macron à l’initiative de la @FondationPSG ➡️ https://t.co/F0w5oTnDCr http://pic.twitter.com/uIUVuK2cEg

— PSG Officiel (@PSG_inside) August 3, 2017

Neymar, who has been the subject of intense speculation all summer, finally put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal.

“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Neymar said in a statement after signing his contract. “Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.

“Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge. From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world.”

Following the signing, he is expected to earn 45m euros (£40.7m) a year – 865,000 euros (£782,000) a week – before tax from the initial five-year deal, a total outlay of £400m.

Speaking earlier on the transfer, French President Emmanuel Macron said “Congratulations, I understand there’s been some good news.”

Macron made this known following an appearance at a charity event in Paris earlier today, while speaking with PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi on the sidelines of of a children’s holiday camp.

His departure from Barcelona breaks up the feted attacking trident he formed with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Uruguay forward Luis Suarez.

On Wednesday, Messi posted on Instagram: “It was a great pleasure to have shared all these years with you my friend Neymar. I wish you good luck in this new stage of your life.” To which Neymar replied: “Thank you brother. I will miss you.”

The French side will have arranged a news conference for 12:30 BST on Friday. Neymar will then be introduced to fans on Saturday at PSG’s first game of the season against Amiens at Parc des Princes.

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