Neymar denies talk of nearly joining Manchester City

Barcelona and Brazil international striker Neymar has sensationally revealed that, despite the interest of Premier League giants Manchester City, the Brazilian forward would never have moved to England as he always had his heart set on a transfer to the Nou Camp.

Neymar remains one of the world's hottest striking properties and moved to Spain as part of a club record deal at Barcelona. The forward has impressed since making his move from Santos, but there had been some speculation only last month that the striker very nearly made a move to join Man City and provide competition for the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic.

The 22-year-old has instead insisted that, whilst Man City are indeed a big club, he always had only eyes for Barcelona and that is the reason why he joined the Camp Nou team last summer.

Neymar told reporters: "It was about joining the right team at the right time. I knew there were other teams interested – but I would not have chosen Manchester City, or anybody else. When I knew of Barcelona’s interest it was an easy choice – they were in my heart right away. We sat down as a family to make the decision – but there was only ever one choice."

The Brazilian international took no part in Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Man City at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, but Lionel Messi took centre stage instead as the Argentine international put in yet another impressive Champions League performance. Barcelona look to be in top gear and are in pole position ahead of the second leg game with City in Spain in a few weeks time.



The former Santos striker admits that City are still a threat though, adding: "Manchester City are an exceptional side – with good players in every position. We can cope with whatever Manchester City throw at us. We never compromise our style of play to counter another teams style."

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