Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez has expressed his belief that Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a mistake. Reflecting on their time together at FC Barcelona, Suárez noted the strong friendship and understanding that existed between himself, Lionel Messi and Neymar. "We were very good friends, and we knew that if we fulfilled our role on the pitch, we would make Barcelona great," he explained.
Suárez highlighted the chemistry they shared, saying that if one of them was not performing, the other two would step in to change the situation. “It was an incredible relationship,” he said, highlighting the mutual support that helped the trio achieve remarkable success during their time at Barcelona. Together, they won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League and multiple La Liga championships, demonstrating their ability to work seamlessly as a unit.
When Neymar made the decision to join PSG in 2017 for a record fee, Suárez felt that it was not in line with Neymar's ambition to be recognized as one of the best players in the world. "We told Neymar that moving to PSG was a mistake. If he wanted to be the best, he should have stayed close to Messi," Suárez noted. This sentiment reflects the common belief that staying with a club like Barcelona, alongside a player of Messi's caliber, would have provided Neymar with continued opportunities for growth and success.
The move to PSG has been the subject of much discussion among fans and analysts. While Neymar had his moments of glory in Paris, Suarez believes the move created a void in the dynamic of their former team. “His departure left a void in the team,” he said, suggesting that the unique synergy they had built over the years was hard to replace.
As Neymar continues his career in France, Suarez's comments highlight the importance of environment and relationships in a player's development. The camaraderie and competitive spirit fostered at Barcelona were integral to the trio's success, and the loss of that dynamic may have affected Neymar's performance and growth.
Suárez’s thoughts also highlight broader themes in football about the impact of transfers on team cohesion. While individual success is important, the ability to work collaboratively with teammates can often be the key to winning titles and achieving excellence. As Neymar navigates his journey at PSG, the question of whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed at Barcelona remains open, leaving fans curious about what might have been had he chosen
