Neymar bids Barcelona farewell, asks for father's blessing

Neymar posted a four-part video message to his Instagram account on Thursday after the completion of his €222-million move to Paris Saint-Germain, bidding farewell to Barcelona and looking forward to the next challenge in his career.

The 25-year-old said - in quotes transcribed from the subtitles of his videos - that the life of an athlete is filled with challenges: "Some are given to us. Others are fruits of our own decisions to keep the light that illuminates our careers, which is intense, but short."

Indeed, Neymar took the time to affirm, clearly, that the decision to move to PSG was his and his alone, and not prompted by his father and agent, Neymar Sr., who still stands to make millions from the move.

"For the second time in my life, I'll contradict my father," Neymar said, though he did not identify exactly how. "Father, I understand and respect your opinion, but my decision is made and I ask you to support me as you always do."

Neymar departs Barcelona after winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2014-15, and made sure to acknowledge his trophy-clinching teammates, including his friend Lionel Messi.

"Barcelona was much more than a challenge. It was the dream of a child who played with those stars through video games," Neymar said. "I still remember my first days in the club, sharing the changing room with idols like Messi, Valdes, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Pique, Busquets, and many others, waiting my turn to play in a club that's 'mes que un club' (more than a club).

"I had the honor of playing with the best athlete I've ever seen in my life and I'm sure that I will never see another one like him while I'm alive. Leo Messi, (who) became my friend in and out of the pitch. It was an honor to play with you. I made a trio with Messi and (Luis) Suarez that made history; conquered everything an athlete can conquer; lived unforgettable moments; lived in a city that's more than a city - it's a homeland. I love Barcelona and I love Catalonia."

Neymar added: "Barcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart, but I need new challenges. I accepted PSG's proposition to try new achievements and help the club to win the titles that their crowd wants. They showed me a daring career plan and I feel ready to take on this challenge.

"Now I feel in my heart that it's time to leave. PSG will be my home for the next years and I will work hard to honor all of the trust placed in my football.

"It's a very hard decision but I made it with the maturity I accumulated throughout these 25 years. Barcelona, thank you for everything. Paris, I'm here. Thank God for everything."