Audio By Carbonatix
The Brazilian starlet was courted by the Blues in the summer of 2010, but turned down the chance to switch to Stamford Bridge in favour of penning a new deal in his homeland.
And last week he strengthened his links with the Peixe, signing a new contract with the Copa Libertadores holders and promising to stay in Brazil until at least 2014.
When asked about Chelsea’s offer from last year, he told France Football: "I have no regrets, I decided to stay in my country and I tell myself that I was right.
"If I was transferred to Chelsea, I would not have won the Copa Libertadores this year, a title that Santos were waiting to win for 50 years.”
Neymar spent a week training with Real Madrid back in 2006, and confessed that while he is happy to remain with Santos for now, the interest from Spain is flattering.
He continued: “For the moment I want to stay here in Santos. I thank both big clubs, giants of football, for their interest about me, but I made a life choice, and that is to stay at Santos for now.
“I trained with players of my generation in Madrid and it was a wonderful experience. I scored some goals but I decided to come back to Brazil - that was not the right moment to leave my country. I dream of playing in Europe, that is sure, but I do not know when I will do it.”
If he were to pursue a move to the Bernabeu in the future, Neymar would follow in the footsteps of his idol Robinho, who spent three seasons with the Spanish giants having begun his career with Santos.
And the young protégé admitted that he realised a dream when he got the chance to play alongside his hero for a brief spell last season.
When asked about his favourite player, he said: "Robinho, since I was very young I have admired him.
"I saw him play at Santos in 2002 with Diego, Elano, Renato - I was 10. I did not have the money to go to the stadium so I only saw him on TV.
"I played alongside him last year, he was there for six months before the World Cup and it was wonderful to play at professional level with him. A dream came true for me.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
BoG, SEC move to regulate crypto as Parliament passes Virtual Assets Law
1 hour -
Electroland’s Akyɛdeɛ Kɛseɛ promo rewards over 10,000 customers nationwide
1 hour -
ElectroChem names Francis Buamah as new CEO to drive next phase of growth
2 hours -
448 conflict hotspots identified – Interior Minister
2 hours -
EC bosses face one-term rule as CRC pushes firewall against political influence
2 hours -
Supreme Court numbers under the knife as Constitution Review Committee proposes cap
2 hours -
Okada legal, but roads not ready – Transport Minister warns
3 hours -
Gov’t to roll out dedicated traffic signs for motor riders
3 hours -
Ghana to launch sea transport service linking Togo, Benin and Nigeria
3 hours -
Jimenez penalty earns Fulham scrappy 1-0 home win over Forest
3 hours -
Uganda coach Put unfazed by Tunisia’s unbeaten streak
3 hours -
Royal Christmas cards have a touchy-feely look this year
4 hours -
Amakye Dede, Reggie Rockstone and Amapiano Invasion to headline SOHO’s December shows
4 hours -
Minority in Parliament says partisan governance is destroying livelihoods
5 hours -
Amazon blocks 1,800 job applications from suspected North Korean agents
6 hours
