'Their Football is Better, But in France,': Luis Suarez Shares the Advice Offered to Neymar in 2017

Most people see Neymar as among the best players of his generation. Though a brilliant Brazilian talent at 32, some believe he has not yet realised his full potential as first projected. His legacy in football is still shaped by the continuous argument over his performance and expectations. Many injuries have plagued his career; however, the star winger always tries his best to recover and return to the field almost all the time. 

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Luis Suarez reveals he tried to convince Neymar to not go to the PSG in 2017 

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said Neymar chose a trade to Paris Saint-Germain instead of his advice to go from Camp Nou to the Premier League. Almost every football fan knows how big of a move it was when Neymar left Barcelona in 2017. 

Reportedly costing €222 million, Neymar's summer 2017 signing to PSG broke all previous football records for the biggest transfer price. Last summer, he left PSG for Al-Hilal.

Neymar developed a strong offensive three alongside Suarez and Lionel Messi, often referred to as MSN, while at Barcelona This alliance seriously damaged defences both in Spain and abroad. In their first year, they won the continental treble across three seasons (2014–15 to 2016–17), then six more trophies including a La Liga championship, before Neymar left for PSG . It was reported that Neymar wanted to be the single star and wanted to win the Ballon d’Or and given the presence of dominant stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in La Liga, the Brzillian felt right to leave Spain and start his own journey in France. 

Suarez shared his opinions during an interview with Placar TV (via Sportbible), expressing astonishment at Neymar's decision to depart, especially given he did not take teams like Manchester City into account. Luis Suarez said: 

“(We said), 'Ney. If you want to win it all stay with us (at Barcelona)’. We said 'Ney, at least go to England, Manchester City . Their football is better, but in France. …’”

“I think if Neymar had stayed at Barcelona, he would have won the Ballon d’Or, for sure.”

Despite injuries throughout a demanding six-year tenure at PSG , Neymar still managed to score 118 goals and contribute 77 assists in 173 outings across all competitions. He achieved success in France but failed to win a UEFA Champions League during his time in Paris, he reached the final in 202 but lost, which was one of the main reasons why many believe that his decision to leave Barcelona wasn’t the best.