http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santos-c32532 instead of opting for a possible move to Europe.
Neymar was linked with a move away from the Brazilian club on more than one occasion, as the highly talented youngster attracted interest of several top clubs across Europe.
Spanish Giants, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 and Real Madrid, were among the clubs who were interested in acquiring the signature of the 19-year-old.
Other European clubs who were keen on signing the Santos number eleven included Manchester City, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 and Manchester United. However, Spanish Champions Barcelona were tipped as frontrunners in the race to sign Neymar.
According to reports from media sources across Europe, the Catalans were rumored to have approached Neymar at a few different occasions. However, their offers were turned down by the young striker.
The transfer speculations regarding Neymar's future suffered a heavy blow as the youngster decided to renew his contract with Santos. The 19-year-old’s new contract binds him to the Brazilian club until 2014.
While talking to Lancenet, the youngster was quoted as saying:
"I made the right decision I do not regret staying at Santos at all. If it was not for Santos, I would not have the profile I now have inside and outside the country. Everything fell into place and I am having a good time, and the team too."
In addition, Neymar praised http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 and stated that the Argentine is a phenomenal player.
The two players have often been compared; however, Neymar insisted that he does not deem himself capable of being compared to a player like Messi.
"Messi is fantastic. And he has demonstrated with his goals and his playmaking. That is why he is the best in the world. There is no better," he stated.
Despite signing a new contract with the Brazilian club, Neymar’s future is still undecided as a lucrative offer from a European club might interest the Brazilian youngster.
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