Last summer, Eric Abidal (41) had to vacate his post as FC Barcelona’s sports director. Now he’s talking about his time with the Catalans – and why Neymar (29) did not return under him.
The PSG superstar has long been considered a dream player for the Spaniards. But another mega-star prevented his return to Barça. Abidal explained the transfer strategy in summer 2019: “If Antoine Griezmann hadn’t already signed with us, I’m sure that Neymar would have signed with us.”
Griezmann instead of Neymar!
Instead of Neymar, the Catalans secured the services of the then top star of Atletico Madrid for 120 million euros.
Abidal explained: “Ten days before the transfer window closed, I was in Paris and spoke to Leonardo (PSG sports director, editor’s note). We needed a player for the wing – and Neymar was just amazing at Barça back then. “
But Barcelona’s then President Josep Maria Bartomeu had other plans. He decided to “sign Griezmann,” said Abidal.
To this day people continue to dream of a return for the Brazilian. But he now seems to feel right at home in Paris.
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