Paris Saint-Germain’s record-breaking move for Neymar was not driven by a desire to exact revenge on Barcelona for their pursuit of Marco Verratti, insists Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
The Ligue 1 giants have wrapped up a €222 million deal for a Brazilian forward, who now becomes the most expensive player in world football.
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Neymar has been paraded in the French capital following his arrival, with PSG showcasing to the world that they boast the financial muscle to compete with any rival.
That wealth has also allowed them to fend off interest in stars such as Verratti in the past, but Barca’s long-standing interest in the Italy international played no part in their raid on Camp Nou.
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PSG president Al-Khelaifi told reporters at Neymar’s unveiling: "Neymar is not a vengeance for Barcelona's interest in Verratti.
"It has nothing to do with that, we are signing the best player in the world."
Neymar will join a star-studded squad at Parc des Princes, with PSG prepared to spend big in an effort to hit their ultimate goals.
They have dominated the French domestic scene in recent years, before surrendering their title to Monaco last season, but also harbour ambitions of pushing beyond the quarter-final stage of the Champions League.
Al-Khelaifi is convinced that Neymar will aid the club in that quest, adding: "Neymar is the best player in the world.
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"The French league will be more attractive because of him.
"Together with Neymar, we will rewrite the history of PSG, the club of the world's most wonderful city."
PSG open their 2017-18 campaign with a home date against Amiens on Saturday.
The completion of Neymar’s paperwork may come too late for him to make his debut in that contest, meaning that he could be unleashed away at Guingamp on August 13.
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