Sports
Why I Joined Barcelona and Not Real Madrid — Neymar
Brazilian football superstar Neymar has disclosed the emotional journey behind his decision to join Barcelona over Real Madrid, revealing that his choice was driven by passion rather than practicality.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with fellow Brazilian icon Romário on Friday, Neymar shared how his admiration for the Catalan club and the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi ultimately influenced his career-defining move.
“I don’t regret my choice to pick Barcelona over Real Madrid. I went with my heart there,” Neymar said.
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Neymar revealed that his love for Barcelona stemmed from the days of Ronaldinho, a fellow Brazilian legend who lit up Camp Nou during his prime.
“Barça was the team I loved. I always watched, and I always said: I want to play there. It happened,” Neymar explained.
The forward recalled the dramatic transfer saga that unfolded, with representatives from both clubs vying intensely for his signature.
“Those were intense days. It was two or three days where I wasn’t even training, just going from my house to the office to resolve this,” Neymar said.
Caught in a tug-of-war between two of football’s biggest clubs, Neymar described being overwhelmed by the constant calls and discussions.
“Real Madrid’s people were calling me from one side, and Barcelona’s people were calling me from the other. Both presidents were talking to me. I couldn’t rationalise. I imagined myself playing for both.”
In the end, his emotional connection to Barcelona won out.
“My heart spoke louder,” he admitted.
A significant factor in Neymar’s decision was the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi, whom he had admired for years.
“I obviously wanted to play with Messi!” Neymar said, reflecting on the partnership that would later produce historic moments for Barcelona.
Despite fulfilling his dream of joining Barcelona, Neymar revealed that the initial months at the club were far from smooth.
Adapting to a new environment and the pressure of expectations left him doubting himself.
“I spent the first six months at Barça with butterflies in my stomach. I was like…, I can’t dribble anyone, I can’t get by anyone, I’m doing everything all wrong,” he said.
One of his lowest points came during a match against Athletic Bilbao, where he broke down in tears at halftime.
“I went into the washroom crying by myself, thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ Then Messi knocked on the door,” Neymar recounted.
Messi, along with fellow Brazilian Dani Alves, stepped in to reassure Neymar and encourage him to play without pressure. Their support helped him regain his confidence and develop into one of the top players in the world.
Looking back on his career, Neymar expressed gratitude for the lessons he learned, even from his mistakes.
“All of the mistakes I had in my career, in my life choices were to help me grow, help me mature. So I don’t regret anything,” he concluded.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of Osogbo stadium, announcing that the sitting capacity of the modernised and upgraded stadium is to increase from 4000 to 15,000 upon completion.
Speaking after an early morning daily project review session which started since last week, the governor said the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost development of all games in the state.
“Upon completion, Osun will be qualified to host local and international events. Sports development will take a new tone. Our young population will have a big supportive platform to develop their talents”, the governor noted at the meeting.
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He particularly expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners who are working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium satisfy FIFA standard to eventually secure FIFA certification.
“In remodelling the stadium, we must satisfy global standards. I am happy at the involvement of local and international experts to ensure we meet FIFA and all associated standards. This is the way to go to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sport loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sport Trust Fund becomes operational. We are working round the clock to meet legal requirements and develop appropriate policy framework among others.
“We are working to also fully operationalise the Osun State Sport Commission. This and other structures are being put in place to address the many challenges facing the Sport sector. I have a vision of an Osun state sport sector with modern facilities, empowered workforce and big opportunities for sportsmen and women.
While commending the contractor for a job well done so far, Governor Adeleke commended the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubled as the Commissioner for Sports, for demonstrating deep commitment to the completion of the project.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has thrown his full support behind rising midfielder Nico O’Reilly, insisting the youngster deserves to be crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign.
Guardiola made the remarks on Monday following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a result that further strengthened their push in the title race.
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In the match, O’Reilly delivered another impressive performance, playing with composure and confidence beyond his years.
The youngster also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, helping City secure a crucial win at a key stage of the season.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola was emphatic in his praise for the teenager, suggesting there should be no debate about the award.
“O’Reilly deserves the Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know who will win the overall Player of the Season, but for the young category, it has to be Nico.”
The statement has since gained wide attention, especially after being highlighted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Manchester City’s campaign, with the midfielder earning praise for his versatility, maturity on the ball, and ability to step up in high-pressure games despite his young age.
As the season enters its final stretch, Guardiola’s strong endorsement is expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile in the race for individual honours.
Ghana’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a young player, Dominic Frimpong, who was killed in an armed robbery attack on his team bus.
The incident occurred late Sunday night as players of Berekum Chelsea FC were returning from an away fixture.
Reports indicate that heavily armed men ambushed the team along the Ahyiresu–Kwame Dwumor Sreso road in the Nyinahin District of the Ashanti Region at about 10:30 p.m.
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According to a statement released by the club, the attackers—described as masked men wielding guns and assault rifles—opened fire on the bus, forcing players and officials to abandon the vehicle and flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Frimpong sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
The police also confirmed that another victim, identified as George Owusu Afriyie, was robbed of 4,500 cedis during the incident.
Reacting to the development, the Ghana Football Association described the attack as “tragic” and a huge loss to Ghanaian football.
“Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league,” the association said.
The 20-year-old forward had recently joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana Stars FC earlier this year.
He made 13 appearances for the club and scored two goals, earning recognition as one of the team’s rising stars.
The shocking incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of football teams traveling across the country, with many calling for improved security measures to protect players and officials.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the attack as efforts continue to track down those responsible.
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