Arthur says Neymar told him to join Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona’s new Brazilian sensation Arthur Melo has revealed he was urged to sign for the club by former Blaugrana star Neymar.

Arthur joined Barça from Grêmio in a deal worth €40m last week and the 21-year-old has now begun training with his new team-mates.

Last summer, Neymar left Camp Nou for Paris Saint-Germain under a cloud, but it seems he would still recommend the club as a great place for young players to develop.

“When I was deciding to come or not, he [Neymar] sent me a message with positive things about Barça,” Arthur revealed in an interview with Catalan outlet SPORT.

“He told me about a wonderful club, with receptive people, a wonderful city and everything were very good things.

Arthur has admired Barcelona from afar ever since Ronaldinho played for the club, and he says Philippe Coutinho was also influential in his decision to move to Camp Nou.

“I started watching Barça games in the time of Ronaldinho. Then came other Brazilian cracks,” he said.

“They have been great players and have also had other fantastic players. I like Barcelona because of the cracks and the style of play the club transmits.

“One of the reasons why I wanted to sign for Barça is because they always fight for the big titles and with me it will not be different. I have the dream of winning the Champions League and I will do everything possible to win it.

“[I talked with Coutinho] and the day of my presentation he sent me a message, with nice things. He told me that he is more adapted and would help me. He is a great friend, a great crack.”