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Neymar explains Real Madrid snub

New Barcelona signing Neymar reveals that he turned down a similar offer from Real Madrid because of family reasons.

New Barcelona signing Neymar has revealed that he chose the Catalan club ahead of Madrid because of family reasons.

Neymar completed his reported £50m move to the Primera Division champions this afternoon, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2018.

Real Madrid tabled a similar offer to Barcelona's for the Brazilian, but Neymar insists that his heart was always set on a move to Barca.

"Barca and Madrid are two great clubs. I was happy that both wanted me but my heart was with Barca," said the 21-year-old.

"It was a family decision but I had the final word, and none of us were motivated by money. I don't work for the money and I don't worry about the numbers.

"I'm going to adapt really quickly to European football so I can help the Barca cause."

Neymar, who scored 136 goals in 225 appearances for Santos, has already spoken of his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi.

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Santos' Neymar prior to the start of the match against Flamingo on May 26, 2013
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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