OFFICIAL: PSG sign Neymar

The news puts an end to speculation surrounding Neymar's future. Neymar Jr has left Barcelona in favour of Paris. The Brazilian ace makes history by becoming the most expensive transfer of all time after signing for PSG until June 2022.

The news emerged weeks ago, when reports in Brazil announced Neymar's intention of leaving the Catalan team. His destination? Paris. The footballer teased the press and his teammates for several weeks with his silence.

In the last few hours, the events intensified in what is now the priciest signing ever. Neymar travelled to Porto where he underwent a medical without Barcelona's consent. That did not go down well at the Camp Nou, only hours after the club had made an official announcement revealing the player's wish to leave the club.

La Liga did not accept the payment of Neymar's release clause, as they understood it was in breach of financial fair play rules. The star's lawyers went to Barcelona to skip the middle man and make the €222 million payment directly.

The deal has broken every record established before today and has set a trend which may be considered dangerous by some. Barcelona lose one of their big stars, but they pocket the cash to find a replacement.

It was all clear for PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Neymar is the man who can bring European success to the French club and he has convinced the player to leave Barcelona to become the king of Paris.

'I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain', said Neymar Jr after signing his contract. 'Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want'.

'Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played 4 seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge. From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teamates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world'.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, welcomed the Brazilian: 'It is with immense joy and pride that we welcome Neymar Jr to Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar Jr is today one of the very best players in world football'.

'His winning mentality, strength of character and sense of leadership have made him into a great player. He will bring a very positive energy to this club. In six years, we have built a very ambitious project that has already taken us to the highest level of national and European football. Today, with the arrival of Neymar Jr, I am convinced that we will come even closer, with the support of our faithful fans, to realizing our greatest dreams', the PSG chief said.