Neymar signs 5-year contract with Barcelona

 Neymar completed his transfer to Barcelona on Monday in a deal that unites the Brazilian star with Lionel Messi in what should be a formidable attacking partnership.

Neymar signed a five-year contract with club president Sandro Rosell after choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old jogged onto the Camp Nou field for the first time in his new Barcelona jersey with "Neymar Jr" on the back.

"I am very happy, very moved to be a Barcelona player and fulfill my dream," Neymar told the crowd of 56,500 that welcomed him. "I have come to add my part so that Lionel Messi continues to be the best player in the world."

Barcelona vice president Josep Bartomeu said that the transfer cost Barcelona 57 million euros ($74 million), to be split among Santos and three other companies that own shares of the player's rights. Bartomeu said the club had expected to pay about 40 million euros, but that "the interference of other clubs" inflated the price, an allusion to Real Madrid.

Barcelona's most expensive transfer had been for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009, when it gave Inter Milan 45 million euros (then $64 million) plus forward Samuel Eto'o.

Neymar led Santos on its greatest run since Pele left to sign with the New York Cosmos after the 1974 season. Neymar helped Santos win the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships, becoming the team's leading scorer in the post-Pele era with 138 goals in 230 matches.

Neymar's flight from Brazil arrived an hour behind schedule at about 1 p.m. local time. Decked out in black with sunglasses and a baseball cap, he took a chartered bus straight to Camp Nou.

"He can bring us a lot because he is very talented player," Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said. "He brings his ability to break down defenses, to score, and to entertain. He is young. He has a long path ahead of him, and he is coming to the best place to grow ... Leo will be make Neymar better, and Neymar will make Leo better."

Brazilian right back Dani Alves recalled other Brazilian forwards who have thrived at Barcelona, including Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

"He will give us a Brazilian touch," Dani Alves said. "The others left their mark. I am sure he will, too."Neymar flew to the Mediterranean city on a private jet with a small entourage, including his father Neymar Silva Santos.

Neymar hailed by Barcelona manager

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has no doubts that Neymar will improve the team

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova reaffirmed his belief in new signing Neymar during a recent press conference.

The Brazilian forward, who will be the player to watch in the upcoming Confederations Cup tournament, has been signed by the Spanish giants on a five-year deal.

Barcelona, who had earlier on suffered a deficit in their attack following a period of inactivity from their star player Lionel Messi, are hoping to restructure their front-line ahead of next season.

The plan is to alleviate the pressure on Messi, while enabling Neymar to create more open and direct chances in games. But the 21-year-old, who usually plays from the left wing, has also showed great scoring skills – netting 12 goals in 18 appearances for Santos this year.

Thus, for Vilanova, the vast talent of Neymar is the perfect key to revitalise the Barcelona attack and clinch better results next season.

“He’s a player who can play in different positions, not only on the left wing,” the Barca boss said. “He can also play behind the centre forward. We think he’ll adjust nicely. He’s a very talented player.”

Vilanova added that Neymar’s presence in Barcelona will help the team’s defence as well, and assured that the club would do what it can to “help him adapt to Spanish and European football.”

Underlining the superiority of Neymar above other players, the Blaugrana coach reminded that many top European clubs initially attempted to sign the youngster; and for Vilanova, this simply goes to prove how effective his new signing can be at the top level.

Finally, Vilanova went on to restate the main reason why Barca were so keen on acquiring Neymar: “He can score goals, and that’s something we need.”

Neither Santos, nor Barcelona accepted to give out specific financial details about Neymar’s move to Spain, when an agreement was reached by the two clubs at the end of last month to land the star at the Nou Camp.

Neymar is expected to perform for Barcelona after his participation in the Confederations Cup with Brazil later in June.

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