Neymar Jr. recalls how he almost went to Bayern Munich because of Pep Guardiola

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr. reminisced about the moment when he was close to joining Bayern Munich, upon Pep Guardiola's insistence.

Neymar Jr. recalls how he almost went to Bayern Munich because of Pep Guardiola

Brazilian Neymar Jr. as close to joining Bayern Munich, upon Pep Guardiola. (via Instagram)

Brazilian icon Neymar Jr. recently revealed that he was close to joining Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the 2013 summer transfer window. The Santos forward opened up about Bayern and then-manager Pep Guardiola‘s desperate attempts to lure him to the Allianz Arena.

Neymar Jr. had a scintillating career at FC Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, where he went on to win one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup and two La Liga titles. He recorded brilliant numbers of 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 appearances for the Catalan club. The Brazilian forward later joined PSG, where he spent another six years, before signing for Saudi PL side Al-Hilal.

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Following a failed stint in the middle-east, the 33-year-old made a sensational return to his boyhood club Santos early this year. Recently speaking on the Brazilian podcast Podpah, Neymar Jr. shared an enticing tale of Bayern Munich’s efforts to sign him in 2013. He recounted that after having received the Puskas Award in Switzerland, a late night visit from his father that almost changed his career trajectory.

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Neymar revealed details of his conversation with his father, who brought along Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola and a translator. The Spaniard expressed his desire to take a then 21-year-old Neymar to Germany, laying out his long-term vision for him. Neymar also stated that Guardiola informed him of the cold weather in Germany, but promised to take care of him until he became the world’s best player.

I almost went to Bayern [in 2013] because of [Pep] Guardiola. My father called me at 2 in the morning… Guardiola told me he wanted to take me to the club he was going to. He said he would do his best for me.

Neymar Jr. on almost joining Bayern Munich (H/T Bein Sports)

However, Neymar resisted the offer to join Barcelona in 2013 for a transfer fee of €88 million. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich went on to sign midfielders Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara in 2013, ending the season with the four major titles.

Neymar Jr. reveals how he helped Lionel Messi perfect his penalties

Brazilian star Neymar Jr. most recently revealed that he helped eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi improve his penalty technique. The 33-year-old spent a fair share of their careers together with Messi, at PSG and Barcelona.

Neymar Jr. teaching Lionel Messi penalty
Neymar Jr. admitted that he taught Lionel Messi how to take penalties. (via The National)

Neymar Jr. has played 206 matches alongside the Argentinian legend, scoring 67 goals together. While Messi is known for flawless abilities, the Brazilian star noted that he helped him take penalties. Speaking on a podcast, Neymar revealed that Messi inquired about his penalty-taking technique during training sessions, following which he taught him on how to score from the spot.

I helped Messi take penalties! We were in training, and he asked me, ‘How do you take penalties like that?’… I was like, ‘Are you crazy? You’re Messi! If I can do it, you can too.’

Neymar Jr. on Lionel Messi (H/T Marca)

Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Brazilian forward also opened up about his recent ‘Olimpico’ goal for Santos. Neymar stated that his direct goal from the corner was intentional, and was aimed at ‘booing’ rival fans.,