MX23RW : Friday, November 15 01:31:27| >> :60:3005:3005:

Neymar explains Real Madrid snub

New Barcelona signing Neymar reveals that he turned down a similar offer from Real Madrid because of family reasons.

New Barcelona signing Neymar has revealed that he chose the Catalan club ahead of Madrid because of family reasons.

Neymar completed his reported £50m move to the Primera Division champions this afternoon, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2018.

Real Madrid tabled a similar offer to Barcelona's for the Brazilian, but Neymar insists that his heart was always set on a move to Barca.

"Barca and Madrid are two great clubs. I was happy that both wanted me but my heart was with Barca," said the 21-year-old.

"It was a family decision but I had the final word, and none of us were motivated by money. I don't work for the money and I don't worry about the numbers.

"I'm going to adapt really quickly to European football so I can help the Barca cause."

Neymar, who scored 136 goals in 225 appearances for Santos, has already spoken of his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi.

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Santos' Neymar prior to the start of the match against Flamingo on May 26, 2013
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2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
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11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
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16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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