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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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Today's games header
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe341013114147-643
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca34614142740-1332
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


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