'Neymar made a mistake leaving Barcelona & Messi for PSG' - Luis Suarez

Cameron Smith

• 17 Dec 2023 14:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Luis Suarez has admitted that he told Neymar it was “a mistake” to leave Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

The Brazil international departed Camp Nou after a world-record €222 million offer was submitted by PSG as they set their sights on Champions League glory.

Neymar spent six years at the Parc des Princes, but a variety of injury problems meant he never justified his mouth-watering price tag, despite notching 118 goals and 77 assists in 173 games for the club.

The 31-year-old left PSG to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for €90m during the most recent transfer window, with his career in France drawing to a rather unspectacular end.

Now, Suarez has admitted that Neymar was wrong to leave Barcelona for PSG in search of Ballon d’Or glory.

What has Suarez said?

The Uruguayan striker, who is set to link up with Messi again when he joins the Barca legend at Inter Miami in 2024, was interviewed by YouTube channel ‘Clank!’ and was asked about Neymar.

“We were very good friends, and we knew if we fulfilled our roles on the pitch, we would make Barcelona great,” he said, as translated by GOAL.

“If one of us did not play well, the other two would make the difference. It was a spectacular relationship.

“We told him it was a mistake to go to PSG. If Ney wanted to be the best, he had to stay by Leo’s side. But, he made his decision, and it left a void in the team.”

Barcelona have not won the Champions League since Neymar left, with the Brazilian netting in the final during their most recent triumph (2015).

However, despite making it to the 2020 final with PSG, Neymar was unable to help the Parisians lift the trophy they most desire during his spell at the Parc des Princes.