Neymar snubbed Chelsea, Manchester City & Bayern Munich to join Barcelona, says Rosell

The Spanish club's president claims the Brazilian's decision to reject a move to the Premier League was influenced by the opportunity of playing next to Lionel Messi

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has revealed Neymar rejected offers from Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in order to join the Spanish champions.

The Brazil international moved to Barcelona in a £48.6 million deal in June and has scored two goals in nine appearances this season.

City were preparing a £50m bid for Neymar in February, while Rosell claims the 21-year-old's decision to snub a switch to the Premier League was based on the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi.

"I spoke with his father when we met in Miami and we closed the deal there," Rosell told Cadena SER.

"There were four parties that owned his rights as part of the agreement and we had to agree with all of those, but in the end we closed the deal for €57.5m.

"The key was that the player wanted to come to Barcelona. It was not about knowing how to negotiate; he wanted to be play next to Messi and the rest of the team.

"Everything was based on that despite him having offers from Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern and Real Madrid.

"Neymar's a very humble, friendly guy, a great team-mate and a great player. He is not selfish on the ball, which is just what we want in a football player. Has has settled perfectly into the squad."