Imagine if Perez Managed to Get Neymar to Madrid?

It won't happen.

At least, I have a lot of confidence that Neymar would not be so foolish as to make such a controversial move, and there probably isn't a fee Madrid could pay to lure him away from Barcelona. I'm hearing he's been priced at a billion, but in reality, he along with the Cannibal and Messi are just not for sale at any price.

But what if?

Who could have foreseen Figo moving away from Barcelona to Madrid? It was an unthinkable move. Two of the most fiercest rivals in footballing history, two teams that hate each other. It's the classic case of rich versus poor, but not in the literal sense because Barcelona have never been begging on the streets for some kobo. Madrid being the "privileged" club who have all the titles, the money and the allure of coming to one of the best paid institutions in football. Then there's Barcelona that is the "realer" club, focused on nurturing talents and building up a strong ethos and identity to last over years.

Two polar opposites.

So when Figo just decided to pack his bags and move to Madrid, he knew it was a controversial move, but didn't quite realize the gravity of his decision. That first match he had in the Nou Camp wearing his new white jersey, was a disaster for him. Not his performance, but the jeers, whistles, insults and yes...a pig's head. I was amazed when I saw it and could not believe that fans were so affected by this. That move I believe turned El Clasico into a global event as the world at large now knew just how seriously both of these clubs hated each other, and just how big a move it would be moving over to the enemy.

The funny thing is, knowing Figo's personality, he would probably do it again. He never came across as someone who was emotionally invested. Maybe a criticism of his playing career, because Figo is one of the best wingers to ever play the game, a superbly talented footballer but he was the kind of guy that never looked like he was trying. There was a casual way in which he played the game without much expression or die-hard intensity.  So he was the kind of dude that would just move to a rival, because he felt like it, without being too bothered about the consequences. At the end of the day, despite the hostile reception that he received each time he played at the Nou Camp, he got the trophies he wanted at Madrid, so in a sense it was the right move for him.


As far as Neymar is concerned, I actually see some similarities. Neymar strikes me as a very confident guy who will do what he wants to do. He's got very broad shoulders, can handle pressure and would dip his hand right in the piping hot stew of controversy. However, this does not now mean I think he would move to Madrid. The situations between him and Figo are a bit different, and I think that is a real reason why Perez, despite how deep his war chest may be, would find it difficult to pry the sensational Brazilian away from Barcelona.








Neymar genuinely looks happy at Barcelona. He's formed a rapport with the players and he's enjoying his football. Figo always had that poker face on him, so it was hard to tell whether he was happy or sad. But I don't think he was having the time of his life playing for Barcelona. It's not like he was depressed and was desperate to leave the Catalans, but with Madrid forming a special team to win trophies whilst Barcelona were struggling to get it done in Europe with their current squad, you could see from that point of view as to why Figo would want to leave. That's not the case for Neymar and this Barcelona team who are aiming to repeat their treble exploits from last season. They are chasing history, and they are a much better team than the one Figo was playing in.


Let's face it; for us neutrals, it would be an incredible story. It would easily dwarf the Figo one, because
Neymar is one of the best players in the world and many predict once Messi either retires or starts to wane, it will be him who will take up the mantle as the best. So for him to make that move to Madrid, which would instantly strengthen them tenfold and it's the Clasico rival, the reaction from the Barca fans would be even more intense. That El Clasico would have to hire in Rambo and the T-800 along with the best marines just to protect Neymar in that match. Just for the thrill of it, I would want to see that happen. In reality though, there is little to no chance of that move taking place.


So, Perez, put away that cash and instead, just throw yourself out the front door and bring in a president who actually has more of a clue as to how to run a football club.

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HH