'Deceitful germ' - Real Madrid legend DESTROYS Neymar after Saudi transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Aug 2023 16:26 BST
3 min read

Real Madrid and Bayern legend Paul Breitner did not hold back when giving his opinion on Neymar's Saudi transfer.

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The Brazilian will now suit up for Saudi giants Al-Hilal after a big-money move that will see Paris Saint-Germain bank close to €100 million for the 31-year-old, while Neymar himself has become the joint-third best-paid player in the world.

It came as something of a surprise given that Neymar was previously said to be reluctant to head to the Middle East and that he would much prefer a return to Barcelona. The Catalans, however, are still mired in financial troubles and head coach Xavi was not convinced that Neymar is what his squad needs, which made a comeback impossible.

MORE: The 10 most expensive Saudi Pro League transfers of all time

1974 World Cup winner Paul Breitner, however, was not surprised by this move and he instead welcomed it, even thanking the Saudis for signing him.

Neymar is now the joint-third highest paid player in the world, with a €100m annual salary 🤑 pic.twitter.com/BHWRLHXSxN
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) August 15, 2023

What did Breitner say?

Speaking on Blickpunkt Sport, the Bayern legend tore into the Brazilian. "Thank you, dear Saudis, for buying Mr. Neymar, one of the dodgiest footballers under the sun in recent years. One of the greatest footballers who only play-acts, who only wants to posture. Appalling."

“He is a germ of the most deceitful kind. I have to say: thank you very much that we do not have to put up with him anymore." When quizzed about other stars heading to the Pro League, Breitner replied in a similar fashion, asking rhetorically: "What good is having that much money down there?"

READ: Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr target ANOTHER Champions League star after poor Saudi Pro League start

The outspoken 71-year-old does not believe that the new Pro League transfer strategy can be the basis for sustainable success. Signing the likes of Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar will only give the league a boost in the short term, it will not grow the league into something that is attractive beyond the money.