Neymar on Barcelona transfer: I’m joining the best club in the world

Neymar admits it will be a “huge honour” to play alongside the likes of Lionel Messi at Barcelona after it was confirmed he is set for a transfer to Camp Nou.

The Brazilian, who had been linked with a move to Chelsea, is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Catalan outfit in the coming days in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £51m.

And following his emotional farewell appearance for Brazilian side Santos against Flamengo on Sunday, Neymar said: “It’ll be a huge honour to play with Messi, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta.

“It still hasn’t sunk in what it means to sign for the best team in the world.”

Neymar, who admitted that Brazil international team-mate Dani Alves had been among those who had urged him most vehemently to sign for the Catalan outfit, added: “Playing with Messi will be a dream.”

The young forward, who broke down in tears as the Brazilian national anthem was sung in the build-up to the match, took the chance to thank the Santos fans “for their affection and understanding” in the wake of his decision to make the move to Spanish football.

“I feel satisfaction at having played for this team; it has been an honour,” said Neymar, adding that he was not bidding Santos a permanent farewell: “I’ll be back”.

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