Former Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar Jr. discussed his time in the French capital during an interview on Bartoli time with RMC this Sunday.
In the discussion, Neymar returned to the circumstances of his departure from PSG a year and a half ago. While he looks back fondly on much of his Parisian experience, the Brazilian admitted to feeling a sense of bitterness over the way things ended, citing tensions both with the club’s management and its supporters.
Since joining PSG in 2017, Neymar has made 173 appearances in all competitions, scoring 118 goals and providing 73 assists. During his time at the club, he amassed an impressive collection of silverware, including five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France trophies, two Coupe de la Ligue titles and four Trophée des Champions.
Neymar speaks out on how fans treated him and Lionel Messi
In 2023, a crowd of 400 passionate supporters first gathered at the Qatari club, demanding resignation and calling for Messi’s departure. Tension escalated as around 100 people later gathered outside Neymar’s home, despite his current injury, chanting for him to leave the club with cries of: “Neymar, get out.”
While the Brazilian has fond memories of his seven years in the French capital, he made no secret of the fact that there were problems with how it all ended.
“My first year in Paris was fantastic,” Neymar said (h/t Mercato on foot). “I have been very well received by the fans, but the last two or three years have not been the same. The way I was treated wasn’t really fair.
“I think Messi experienced more or less the same thing. In my case, they crossed the line (when they came to his house). Our relationship was no longer respectful, even though I had always respected them… It was really a complicated situation. I was sad about the way I was treated in the end.
“I respect PSG and I will always support them to achieve the best possible results. I have no hard feelings against the club, I just have some resentment towards some of the people who run the club and some of the supporters. Unfortunately, my relationship with the fans is one of the sad moments. It’s in the past and my conscience is clear.”