Neymar transfer fever hits Paris: £198m PSG player sparks frenzy in French capital with thousands lining streets for most expensive footballer ever

The £198m man: Neymar arrives in Paris
Getty

There were frenzied scenes across Paris as Brazilian superstar Neymar was unveiled as a Paris Saint-Germain player after a bank-busting transfer deal.

Thousands of PSG fans lined the streets queuing for hours to buy Neymar shirts from the club’s official shop.

It came after the 25-year-old forward was brought to France via private jet and whisked across the City in a blacked-out van as thousands of PSG supporters clamoured for a glimpse of him.

An official press conference took place at 12.30pm at the Parc des Princes after the former Barcelona player signed for a record breaking £198m.

Neymar arrives in Paris amid a press scrum
EPA

Neymar said: "I really can't describe what I'm feeling in my heart.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started, to play games and achieve the objectives I have."

Shoppers queue to get their hands on the first Neymar shirts
Rex

He denied the transfer was because he wanted to be "the big star" at Barcelona.

He said: "That’s not what I’m looking for here. I’m looking for a new challenge, new trophies, and this is what motivates me.”

Paris Saint Germain staff unveil a poster of Neymar outside the club megastore as fans queue for shirts
PA

He added: "It was one of the most difficult decisions I've made to move. I was at a great club at Barcelona, I have friends there and it was not easy to leave at all.

"I had to think and re-think about what I wanted to do, I leave very good friends behind, but that is football. Things go fast in football."

Neymar speaks at Friday's press conference
Reuters

Neymar continued: "I was never motivated by money.

"What I think about is my happiness and to be together with my family, I want them to be happy.

Neymar with PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi 
Reuters

"If I was following the money, I could have gone somewhere else.

"I'm really sad that people still think that way."

At the press conference PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi described Neymar as an "idol" and "the best player in the world".

He said: "He has brought so much positive things already. Our fans have always dreamt about having Neymar, and here he is today."

Neymar's close friend Cristian Guedes travelled to Paris with him as part of his entourage
AFP

He added: "Thank you Neymar for coming to PSG. Welcome to your new home."

PSG earlier shared images of the player, one of the world's best, who is hailed for his model looks as much as his on-pitch skill, disembarking a private jet near the French capital several hours before he arrived at the stadium.

Neymar arrives in Paris - In pictures

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The Brazilian's world-record move to PSG was confirmed on Thursday evening after his lawyers paid the 25-year-old's release clause in full to Barcelona earlier in the day, before the forward then put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Parc des Princes.

Neywar shows off his new shirt at the Parc des Princes
Dugout

In doing so, Neymar has become the world's most expensive player - with the £198m transfer smashing the previous record of £89m set by Paul Pogba when he moved to Manchester United from Juventus last year.

Neymar won the Champions League once during his four-year spell at Barcelona along with two Liga titles, one Fifa Club World Cup, one European Super Cup and three Spanish Cup trophies.

Neymar is now targeting Champions League glory with PSG, the one major prize which continues to elude the club.

On his official Facebook page, he wrote: “A sportsman needs challenges.

“For the second time in my life I’m going to be opposing my dad.

Soccer player Neymar arrives at the Barcelona airport before flying to Paris
AP

“Dad, I understand and respect your opinion but my decision is made. I ask you to support me as you always have.

“Barcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart but I need new challenges.”

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