Such has been the ease with which Neymar’s transitioned to life in Barcelona that it’s difficult to imagine the Brazilian captain ever struggling following his move from Santos in June 2013.
However, Neymar has revealed to TV Globo that his first days at the Camp Nou were riddled with fright and nerves.
“I was afraid when I saw Messi and the others before my first Barcelona game,” said Neymar. “I got into the dressing room and Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves were all there. These guys were my idols.”
Neymar’s £65 million price tag, and the fact that he’d represented Brazil 27 times and scored 17 goals between 2010-12, should’ve put him on equal footing with the rest of the Barcelona squad, but he admits to still feeling starstruck by the players he’d idolized.
“It was almost as if I was playing on the PlayStation,” said Neymar. “It was very difficult in the beginning. Dani Alves was fundamental for me when I came to Barcelona to help me adapt and become what I am now. I have a lot of time for him and for what he did for me at Barcelona.”
Neymar: no longer afraid. Photo: @messi10stats
Whatever fear Neymar initially experienced, he did a superb job of masking it on the field. He scored nine La Liga goals for Barcelona in his debut season, and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s since eclipsed that mark by scoring 22 during the 2014-15 season and 24 last campaign.
Neymar has now won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, a UEFA Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup with Barca.
Still only 24 years of age, Neymar is expected to carry the mantle of being Barcelona’s key performer for years to come. It won’t be long before players arriving at the club refer to Neymar as their idol growing up.
(H/T: GOAL)
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