🎥 Neymar breaks down crying when talking about Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Neymar has paid an emotional tribute to former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

The Brazilian joined Barça from Santos in the summer of 2013 and went on to score 105 goals before leaving in a world record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain four seasons later.

And in an emotional interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, the 27-year-old has thanked Messi for helping him through a tough time in his life.

“It’s a story I tell everyone,” said a tearful Neymar.

“At the time when I needed the most support, the man on the team, the best in the world, came and gave me love.

“He talked to me and said: ‘Come here, you must be yourself, you must be happy and the same as in Santos. Do not be shy, do not be afraid of me or anyone in this club. We are here to help you’.”

Neymar has often been linked with a return to Barcelona and is still good friends with many of his former team-mates.

But after both his father and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi ruled out the possibility of a move to Real Madrid at the weekend, Neymar refused to rule out that he could one day wear the Blaugrana shirt again.

“It’s difficult, it’s difficult,” he said.

“To be honest, it is very difficult because Leo was a very special guy for me at Barcelona.”