Neymar completes world record switch to Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday evening announced they had completed a world record deal to sign Neymar from Barcelona.

The Brazil international paid out his €222m (£193m) release clause to La Liga on Thursday before signing a five-year deal that will reportedly pocket him in excess of £500,000-a-week after tax.

Neymar, who will wear the No.10 jersey, could make his PSG debut as early as Saturday’s league opener at home to newly promoted Amiens, but a trip away to Guingamp on the August 13 would seem more likely.

The 25-year-old made the surprise decision to leave Barcelona in order to cement his own legacy as one of the best footballers of all-time after realising it would not be possible at the Camp Nou as long as Lionel Messi is still there.

“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Neymar told the club’s official website. “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.”

Despite the fact Real Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League last season, it was Neymar that finished as the highest rated player in Europe’s top five leagues (8.52).  Moreover, the Brazilian completed the most dribbles as well (168).