Brazilian star Neymar has been linked with Real Madrid for the last couple of months, but the 26-year-old former Barcelona forward has told the Spanish heavyweights that he is planning to stay at Paris Saint-Germain for the new football season, which kicks off in a few weeks.
Neymar, who came in for criticism during the World Cup in Russia for his over-exuberant, theatrical rolls when fouled, made over 100 appearances for Barcelona before moving to PSG in a world record transfer worth €222m, but having helped the Paris giants blitz Ligue 1 last season then many had believed that Neymar would want a tougher challenge, and realistically there are only a few clubs in world football that could afford his salary, let alone the monster transfer fee.
So, with Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid looking for a replacement following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo then many had believed Neymar was ready to upsticks in France and return to Spain, but the talented South American has told Fox Sports that he is not planning to move away from the French capital.
Neymar said, "I'll stay. I have a contract with PSG and I've chosen to be there for the challenge, for new things and higher goals," he told Fox Sports.
"I won't change my head about it. I hope we can have a successful season, with new silverware, too. The press enjoys creating rumours, but everyone knows how much I care about PSG."
It will be a big blow for Real, who may now set their sights firmly on Chelsea's Eden Hazard, who has been linked with a move to La Liga.
