Neymar played his last match for Santos in a goalless draw against Flamengo on Sunday and the departing forward was clearly moved.
However, it was obviously a tough decision for Neymar to leave his home country and the club that he's been playing with ever since he was inducted into their youth academy.
During the national anthem before game at Brasília, the Brazilian starlet struggled to keep his emotions in check with tears rolling down his face.
"It was very emotional," Neymar told reporters. "The movie of my life since I was a little kid came to my mind at that moment.
"It's a great honor to have played for Santos for so long, I've been here nearly my entire life.
"Today it ends part of my history with the club but I'll be back. I'm saying goodbye but I'll be back."
Neymar will be joining the Catalans after this summer's Confederations Cup, and is set to sign the five-year contract on Monday.
He added: "It's a dream come true to be able to play for a team like Barcelona. I've always dreamed about doing that and now it's happening.
"It will be a great honor to play with players like (Lionel) Messi, Xavi, (Andrés) Iniesta, Daniel Alves."
 | |
| Neymar is seen crying during the national anthem prior Santos' game against Flamengo Photo: YouTube |
The 21-year-old star announced his move to Barcelona late Saturday, a day after Santos accepted offers from both the Spanish champions and rivals Real Madrid.
However, it was obviously a tough decision for Neymar to leave his home country and the club that he's been playing with ever since he was inducted into their youth academy.
During the national anthem before game at Brasília, the Brazilian starlet struggled to keep his emotions in check with tears rolling down his face.
"It was very emotional," Neymar told reporters. "The movie of my life since I was a little kid came to my mind at that moment.
"It's a great honor to have played for Santos for so long, I've been here nearly my entire life.
"Today it ends part of my history with the club but I'll be back. I'm saying goodbye but I'll be back."
Neymar will be joining the Catalans after this summer's Confederations Cup, and is set to sign the five-year contract on Monday.
He added: "It's a dream come true to be able to play for a team like Barcelona. I've always dreamed about doing that and now it's happening.
"It will be a great honor to play with players like (Lionel) Messi, Xavi, (Andrés) Iniesta, Daniel Alves."
- OFFICIAL: Neymar to join Barcelona from Santos next season
- Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff against Neymar signing
- Santos accept bid for Neymar, let him decide his own future
- Neymar tops list of most marketable athletes in the world
- Pic of the day: Neymar graces TIME magazine cover
- Neymar: Real Madrid and Barcelona want me
- Neymar dreams of playing in Champions League
