NEYMAR has revealed he snubbed Real Madrid at the age of 13 because he was not ready to move away from Brazil.
The Samba superstar came to the Spanish capital for a trial with the La Liga giants back in 2005 but decided to stay with Santos.
Neymar, now 23, remained in his homeland for eight years before switching to Barcelona and admitted he was too young at the time Real came calling.
He told L’Equipe: “I was 13, it was the first time I came to Europe. At that time, I did not feel comfortable, I did not see myself happy and able to stay away from Brazil so young.
“I did not feel it and I was not in a hurry – there was no emergency. The priority was that I was happy, that I become a professional footballer and then I could come to play in Europe.”
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Neymar has been at the Nou Camp for three years and has helped his side win La Liga twice, the Champions League, two Copa del Reys and a Club World Cup.
The striker is currently at the Olympics in Rio representing his country.
But the host nation got off to a rough start as they were held to a draw by South Africa in the opening game.
They were booed off by fans who are still bitter about the national sides embarrassing exit from the Copa America.
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