Emery tells how he convinced Neymar to leave Barcelona

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Unai Emery has revealed the role he had played in Paris Saint-Germain’s attempt to transfer Neymar, saying he had told the Brazilian star that PSG had plans to build the squad around him.

Neymar completed the transfer for 222 million euros, becoming the most expensive player in history in 2017, when he swapped Barcelona with Paris Saint-Germain after four years at Camp Nou.

Emery was preparing to start his second season as coach at the Parc des Princes after failing to win both the Ligue 1 and Champions League titles during his first year in France.

Exactly Neymar had caused PSG to be eliminated from the Champions League, as his two goals helped Barcelona overturn the 4-0 defeat in the first leg in a 6-1 win at Camp Nou to qualify for the quarter-finals. .

After that 2016/2017 season, Neymar decided to leave the shadow of Lionel Messi in Barcelona and test himself elsewhere, as the most expensive footballer in the world. He managed to win PSG’s three domestic titles immediately, but also with numerous injuries.

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In a recent interview, Emery said he had contributed to PSG’s attempt to convince Neymar to join the Parisians after being backed by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

“I have always felt the support of President Nasser. For example, when we were close to transferring Neymar, it was up to me to explain to Neymar that we would build the team around him, “the Spanish coach said.

“When it comes to such a phenomenal player, you can’t tell him you already have a team and that he will have to adapt. You have to create the squad for him, otherwise he wouldn’t come – I have no doubt about that. ”

“The president and the directors discussed the contract, but it’s the coach who has to convince the player about the game plan.”

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