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Real Madrid president discusses failed Neymar move and past Lionel Messi interest
REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez has revealed how his side missed out on Barcelona superstar Neymar.
Florentino Perez talks failed move for Neymar and past Lionel Messi interest
Neymar joined Barcelona from Brazilian outfit Santos in the summer of 2009, costing the Catalan giants around £50million.
The 25-year-old forward has gone on to win eight major honours during his time at the Nou Camp, including the 2014/15 Champions League and two La Liga titles.
But the Brazil international was close to joining Barca's fierce rivals Real Madrid, with Perez claiming Neymar underwent a medical in the Spanish capital.
Perez said on Neymar: "He passed a medical with Madrid. We then saw that it wasn't possible for him to come and that was that."
Neymar passed a medical at Real Madrid before he opted to join Barcelona
I would have liked to have Lionel Messi, but we haven't contemplated it
The Real chief claims the club have also known about Lionel Messi's potential since he was in Barca's youth team.
But Perez admits Real never ever considered making a move for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
On Messi, he continued: "We've known him since he's been in the Barca youth team. I would have liked to have him, but we haven't contemplated it."
Real Madrid knew about Lionel Messi in Barcelona's youth team
Real Madrid claimed a second successive Champions League crown this year and now Perez has set his sights on making it three in a row.
Perez added: "Now we want to win three successive Champions Leagues. We want to continue making history, continue winning Champions Leagues and La Ligas.
"We have a very young team, with great desire and enthusiasm. We are on the right track to have some very good years."