Neymar bizarrely claims his 'best sporting years were at PSG' despite lingering 'feeling of sadness' over his time with Ligue 1 giants

The Brazil star moved to Parc de Princes in 2017 for a world record transfer fee from Barcelona and spent six seasons in the French capital before moving to the Saudi Pro League to sign for Al-Hilal in 2023. During his time with the French champions, Neymar won 12 trophies including five Ligue 1 titles, and he scored 118 goals in 173 appearances across all competitions.

Before heading to Paris, Neymar had already won the Champions League title with Barcelona and formed one-third of the most deadly attacking triumvirates of all time, alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. However, the Al-Hilal star has now claimed that his most memorable sporting moments came during his time with PSG, despite feeling "sadness" over his many injuries at the club.

In an interview with RMC Sport, Neymar said: "Obviously I am passionate about football. I agree that my sporting years at PSG were probably the best for me. But it was very sad for me, because I often had very serious injuries that could last from three, four to six months.

"It bothered me a lot, but in terms of football, in terms of sport, it was the best Neymar they had in my entire career. So I am happy to have been able to offer that to French football, but on the one hand, there is also this feeling of sadness… Because I did not play a full season, only the year 2020, when we reached the Champions League final. It was really a great year when I think back on it. I will never forget those moments, they are engraved in my heart."

The Brazil international remains sidelined after his latest injury setback in Saudi Arabia, however, he recently shared an update on his condition where he was seen working out in the gym in a bid to return to the football field soon.