Neymar excited by Messi alliance

FC Barcelona attacker Neymar said he found it "hard to hold back the tears," after the 21-year-old completed his €57m move to Spain from FC Santos. 



After featuring in Brazil's 2-2 friendly international draw against England in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night, Neymar traveled to the Catalan capital where he passed a medical before being presented to the world's media and around 55,000 supporters at the Camp Nou.

"I was very emotional on entering the stadium and receiving the applause from the fans," the São Paulo native explained during his press conference. "I found it hard to hold back the tears. This is a great day for me and my family and I am so happy to be realising a dream," the 2011 and 2012 South American Footballer of the Year added.

The deal to take the Brazilian to Barcelona was announced a little over a week ago and after signing a five-year contract with the four-time European champions, Neymar said he was looking forward to combining forces with some illustrious team-mates.

"Having the opportunity to play alongside so many important players like [Andrés] Iniesta, [Xavi] Hernández and [Lionel] Messi, players I have admired since my youth, is something I owe to God," he said. "I have never worried about being the best in the world because the best is Messi and I hope to be able to help him continue to be so."

The signing represents Barcelona's first ahead of the 2013/14 season when the Liga champions will start their UEFA Champions League challenge from the tournament's group stage.