This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Barcelona's pursuit of Neymar was a closely watched saga this summer, with the club ultimately failing to secure the Brazilian's return from Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Lionel Messi, the club's captain, Neymar was eager to rejoin the La Liga champions, but the deal fell through due to PSG's high asking price.
"The truth is I would have loved him to come back to us," Messi told Spanish newspaper Sport on Thursday, September 12, 2019.
Messi acknowledged that some people within the club were opposed to Neymar's return, citing the circumstances surrounding his departure two years ago.
However, Messi emphasized the potential benefits of Neymar's return, stating that the Brazilian would have increased the team's chances of success and taken the club to the next level.
"Obviously he would have increased our chances of getting the results that we all want," Messi said.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu had previously stated that the club did everything possible to sign Neymar, but ultimately couldn't meet PSG's asking price.
Messi also addressed rumors surrounding his own future at the club, stating that he has no plans to leave Barcelona anytime soon.
"I can say that I want to be at Barcelona for as long as I can and end my career here because this is my home," Messi said.
