PSG hit back at FFP critics over Neymar deal as world's most expensive player defends motivation to leave Barcelona

Neymar admitted he was 'sad' after being accused of moving to Paris for money only and stressed he is there to win trophies and make the club as successful as possible

Paris Saint-Germain have hit back at their critics that have doubted their ability to meet Uefa’s Financial Fair Play rules following the world-record €222m (£200m) transfer for Neymar after unveiling the new signing on Friday.

The world’s media gathered in Paris to get a first glimpse of the 25-year-old Neymar as a PSG player, with Thursday’s sensational announcement that he had signed for the Ligue 1 side leading many to question how the club were affording such an expensive move given the restrictions in place by Uefa.

“We’ve been very transparent from day one, and we will continue to be,” said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who could barely contain his excitement after getting a major win over Champions League rivals Barcelona by talking Neymar into a move to Paris.”

The Qatari businessman also had a message for any journalists who hope to drag out any financial demons in PSG’s closet, given that La Liga are not the only ones who believe that the French side will fall well short of the €30m maximum that they are allowed to put into the club over a three-year period by Uefa.

“We will work with Uefa and meet Financial Fair Play,” Al-Khelaifi added. “I have a very good team, and if you are thinking about FFP, go and have a coffee and don’t worry, we are in good hands.”

Neymar rejected accusations that he has only joined PSG simply for the money that the Ligue 1 club offered him, insisting that he is excited about the challenge ahead to try and make them the biggest club in the world, despite signing a contract that means he will take home around £520,000-a-week after tax.

“I’m not motivated by money,” the Brazil international said. However, the ambition shown by Al-Khelaifi in signing Neymar for more than twice the previous transfer record on wages that make him the highest-paid footballer in the world means that nothing but the Champions League will do, and he admitted as much when talking up the club’s chances of silverware this season, one that Neymar stressed is why he joined the club.

"I wanted something bigger, a bigger challenge. This was about ambition.

"My heart told me that it was time to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. It was the right time to leave Barcelona. I was never motivated by money. I thought above all else about the happiness of my family, regardless of money.

"I'm really sad that some people think this is the case."

He was immediately backed up by the club’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who added: “Neymar can earn more money with other clubs, he chose to come here for the project.”

Neymar was also asked whether his decision was swayed due to playing in Lionel Messi’s shadow at Barcelona. The Argentina international has won the Ballon d’Or five times during his Barcelona career, with Neymar yet to win his first, but he insisted that he has not made the move to Paris in order to be a big fish in a small pond and be the superstar of a Champions League club.

“It didn’t impact my decision at all, he added. “I wanted to come to Paris, it was only linked to me wanting to find a new challenge. It wasn’t because I didn’t feel like the big star or want to be the big star, I felt really loved at Barcelona. That’s not why I’ve come to PSG, I’ve come here to win trophies and be successful.”

The striker at his PSG unveiling (Getty)

Asked if his tag as the world’s most expensive football, one that he inherits from Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, already weighs heavy on his shoulders, he added: “I’m 69kgs, and I’m happy. There is no burden when I am happy.”

He refused to confirm if he is fit enough to play in Saturday’s Ligue 1 opener against Amiens, with PSG looking to wrestle back the title that they lost Monaco last season.