The Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed he almost signed Neymar ahead of bitter rivals Barcelona in 2013.
Los Blancos were close to capturing the Brazilian superstar from Santos, but the Brazilian man opted for Barca instead
Speaking to Onda Cero, as quoted by Goal, Florentine Perez says: "Neymar passed a medical with Us. We tried for him to come, but we discovered at a point that it was not possible and we withdrew."
Neymar then completed his move to the Catalan side for a huge fee of £71.5m, after inital reports says it was a lot lower, and he's gone on to establish himself as one of the best innate players in the world.
Perez did opt a move for another superstar that summer in the form of Gareth Bale £85m from Tottenham for a then world record fee.
Bale struggled last season with injury, which has led to speculation he could switch the Berbabeu for the Red Devils, but Perez insisted he wasn't disappointed with club's investment in the Welshman by saying: "Bale’s tendons went. He had bad luck this season, but he has given us much satisfaction."
Interesting although injuries aside, i think bale suits real madrid better with his explosive pace.
Neymar's good but a little overhyped imo. He's nowhere as good as rivaldo or the original ronaldo.
That's correct. Real Madrid tradition goes with 433 formation which requires more speed and attack which I think Bale has over Neymar. Besides Ronaldo plays on the left winger same as Neymar so I think it would have been a more confusing transfer because Ronaldo can't play on the right neither Neymar too.
We all can't dispute the fact that if Real Madrid had wanted to sign Neymar for any amount, that wouldn't have been a problem but just that Neymar's heart was set for Barca and that was the difference and nothing more.
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