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How Neymar broke Barcelona to PSG transfer news at Lionel Messi’s wedding

Getty Images
Getty Images

Paris Saint-German star Neymar stole the limelight at Lionel Messi’s wedding after announcing to his team-mates that he was leaving Barcelona.

Former Barcelona captain Xavi, who spent two years with Neymar at the club, said the striker dropped the bombshell at the wedding in July.

Messi married childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo in their hometown of Rosario in Argentina.

Speaking to the BBC World Football show, Xavi said: "He said to us at Messi’s wedding that he wanted to change club."

But despite questioning the move at first, the 37-year-old Spaniard said he now respects the move.

Xavi with Messi and Neymar in 2015 (Getty Images)
Xavi with Messi and Neymar in 2015 (Getty Images)

"I said to him but why? He said ‘I am not happy in Barcelona, I prefer to leave, to have a new experience in Europe at PSG’ and finally he did, it was his decision, we must respect it."

The 25-year-old Brazilian completed his world-record transfer from Barcelona in August for £200million after PSG met his buyout clause.

The forward went on to sign a five-year contract at the Parc des Princes, which now sees him earn a basic salary of £515,000 a week. He is now the most expensive footballer in history.

PSG defeated Anderlecht in the Champions’ League group stage on Wednesday which saw the French club secure a solid 4-0 victory, where Neymar put home a stunning free-kick in the second half.

The Brazil international has had a flourishing start with the Ligue 1 club, scoring a total of six goals so far