Neymar Jr signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record transfer from Barcelona, leaving behind the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who are still hurting from the forward's departure after trying to convince him to say.
Barcelona's famous 'MSN' strikeforce was disassembled in August when French giants PSG put forward £198 million to secure the services of Neymar Jr. Former teammate Lionel Messi revealed his version of the record transfer while Luis Suarez admitted it had an emotional impact on Barcelona's front line.
"We miss Ney a lot on the pitch, but more off it, because he was special," Suarez told Spanish daily 'Sport'. "He's said it. We had a lot of fun. He transmits happiness and joy all of the time. He was important for us."
Barcelona lead La Liga with a four point gap over Real Madrid, despite Neymar's departure and Suarez's lack of form. "He's playing for another team now but I don't hold it against him, the opposite," the Uruguayan continued. "I tried to convince him to stay because I think here's the best place for him, but it's a decision he had to take. "[Messi and I] tried to do what would benefit the team. But we never said 'Don't go because you won't be happy'."
"We said we didn't want him to go, but that he was free to do what he wanted. Because of the friendship we have, it was painful that he left," Suarez said nostalgically.
After reports emerged suggesting Neymar is regretting his switch to the Ligue 1 outfit, Suarez insisted the 25-year-old would speak out if he was longing for a return to the Camp Nou: "It's come out that he regrets leaving. Not at all," said Suarez. "Ney is mature enough to know if he regrets leaving and he would say it himself, it doesn't need to be said by other people."