I would never have joined City! Neymar is a die-hard Barca boy... and it's impossible for Toure and Co to stop Messi

Manchester City fans were hoping that Neymar would be lining up for their side in Tuesday night's showdown with Barcelona, but the Brazil star insists joining Manuel Pellegrini's men was never an option.

Neymar joined the Catalan giants from boyhood Brazilian club Santos last summer in a £50million move, shunning the chance to join any Premier League suitors.
And the Barcelona star says he has no regrets over the move, with the opportunity to play at the Nou Camp impossible to ignore.

'I could have left Brazil earlier than I did - but I knew for my development it was about joining the right team at the right time,' said Neymar.
'I knew there were other teams interested - but I would not have chosen Manchester City or anybody else.
'When I knew of Barcelona's interest it was an easy choice - they were in my heart right away. We sat down as a family to make the decision - but there was only ever one choice.'

The clash marks City's first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages after two years of disappointing group-stage exits.


And although Neymar has no doubts over which side he'd rather be representing, he believes the English side are a far different proposition than their first forays into Europe's premier club competition.

He said: 'Manchester City are an exceptional side - with good players in every position.
'Over the last years they have added the best players every season - and it is no surprise they are in the position that they are now. We will have to be at our best over the two games - because they are now one of the best teams in Europe.

'England is a very physical league - but we can cope with whatever Manchester City throw at us. We never compromise our style of play to counter another teams style. We play the way we think the game should be played - and if we do that well then we are confident.'


'Messi is the best player in the world for me. I thought that when I joined - and now I believe it even more. You can make a plan to stop him - but when he plays at his top level - then it is not possible to stop him. 

'The Champions League is very special for everybody involved with Barcelona. For me, for my team - mates, for the coaches, and of course for the fans.

'It is a dream to win it - but we need to get past the very tough test we know Manchester City will give us - and that starts with getting a good result to take back to Barcelona.'