Neymar claims he "tried everything" to return to Barcelona before Lionel Messi's PSG move

Neymar has risked angering the Paris Saint-Germain faithful again by claiming he did everything he could to try return to Barcelona.

That was prior to Lionel Messi ’s shock arrival at the Parc des Princes last summer, after years of attempting to convince his old teammate to come back.

PSG made footballing history when they landed Neymar in the summer of 2017 for £200m in controversial circumstances.

Even La Liga tried to prevent the Brazilian from leaving after the French giants triggered his release clause, but, legally speaking, there was nothing that could be done.

Barcelona were left furious after Neymar ended up funding his own transfer but it was not long before the forward was crawling back.

In the summer of 2019, there was heavy speculation that Barcelona were trying to sign him up again.

There was an alleged WhatsApp group including Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez - the famed ‘MSN’ frontline that helped Los Cules win the treble under Luis Enrique.

In that, the Brazil international was telling his close pals that he was desperate to return despite having only been in Paris for two years.

Messi was also advocating for his return as he shared a special bond with the ex-Santos ace.

But a transfer never materialised with PSG uncompromising having only just splashed out £200m on a record-shattering transfer in 2017.

Speaking to Brazil legend Ronaldo on the Fenomenos podcast, Neymar said: “I tried to return to Barca. We tried everything, but it wasn't possible.”

At the time, the forward incensed PSG fans with his actions and the club’s ultras gave him plenty of stick for several months.

It was only after an inspired season that he got them back on side but he put to bed any speculation of a departure with a new