Neymar left Barcelona spotlight to Messi, says father

Neymar did not want to challenge the status of Lionel Messi as Barcelona's undisputed star, according to the forward's father.

The 25-year-old completed his world-record €222million move to Paris Saint-Germain, after teaming up with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for four successful seasons at Camp Nou.

Neymar Sr, opined, his son never wanted to challenge the position of Messi at Barca out of respect for the Argentina international, but insists moving to PSG is not about boosting his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Neymar Sr told COPE: "Messi is the star and will always be the star. Not only because of the love and respect that Neymar has for Leo, he is his idol.

"Imagine that everyone said that Neymar has to be Messi's substitute, he does not want to be his substitute. You have to leave Messi, he is the idol at Barcelona.

"Neymar has to make his own way and accept the challenge he has. I think my son has been a man, shown respect [to Messi] and now he has to go his own way."

"He listened to the advice of his friends, he listened to the people around him. He wanted to rise to this challenge. He had the right to make that decision. Now he is following his destiny and I think he has had a lot of courage."

UCJ, UNILORIN.