5 footballers who almost signed for rival clubs

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 21:  An FC Barcelona fan shares a joke with Real madrid CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu before the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 21, 2015 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Despite the rivalries, fans can find the time to share a joke
 

#5 Neymar Jr rejected a move to Real Madrid for Barcelona

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Neymar Jr
Real Madrid was the first club Neymar considered moving to when he first came to Europe
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The Brazillian forward is one of the attacking talismans for the team that is one of the greatest squads in the La Liga, Along with the duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Neymar Jr has played a huge role in making Barcelona a formidable force to be reckoned with.

In just three seasons at Barcelona, Neymar has earned two La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey titles, one Champions League and the Club World Cup; a feat which is absolutely remarkable and which has subsequently made the club one of the most successful in the world.

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In an interview with L'Equipe, Neymar revealed that he had considered a move to Real Madrid at the age of 13 but eventually decided against it as the atmosphere at the club did not seem to agree with him. "I was 13, it was the first time I came to Europe. At that time, I did not feel comfortable, I did not see myself happy and able to stay away from Brazil so young," he said.

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In an excerpt from his autobiography, Neymar: My Story-Conversations with my Father, the footballer writes, "'After I turned down the offer from Real Madrid in 2006, everyone knew who I was. And after that, even when playing for the youth team, I had at least one request per game for photographs from the fans. That was not normal for someone my age. But I had to get used to it."

Things at both these clubs would have been completely different had Neymar decided in favour of Real Madrid.

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