Before Neymar and its 222 million euros in 2017, Javier Pastore was the first flagship recruit of Paris Saint-Germain version QSI. Argentinian's Argentinian then embodied the new project of the club in 2011 for 42 million euros. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, “El Flaco” returned to the arrival of Neymar in Paris, which he considers a major turning point for European football.
“We did not think that a player could have such a price on the market”he says about the record transfer of the Brazilian from FC Barcelona.
“But by seeing him play against us, then having it as a teammate, the price was too low. He revolutionized French and European football with his arrival in Barcelona. It was crazy to have him as a teammate and live everything around him. »» Pastore shared a season with Neymar, in 2017-2018, before leaving the club.
The old attacking midfielder has not been praised on his former teammate. “Neymar is much more than a football player. After Leo (Messi), he is the best player I played with. He broke football, he broke everything, because of the extent of his transfer. »» A strong declaration which underlines the media and sporting impact of the Brazilian upon his arrival in the capital.
A “very tight” finish
Pastore also took advantage of this interview to evoke his relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of PSG. “He is a person close to the player and the team. He attended almost all training and almost all games, at home and outside ”he assures. “He has always been keen to bring the club to the top. Everyone had their own relationship with him, but mine is that of a person who has always been by my side in difficult times for me. »»
Always faithful to PSG, Javier Pastore has lost none of his passion for the club. At the end of April, he was even seen in the Parisian parking in the Emirates Stadium, during the semi-final go to the Champions League against Arsenal. If he sees a final “Very tight” Against Inter Milan, he salutes the work of Luis Enrique:
“The team is more collective and has more value in defensive effort than in other years, including mine”he said, impressed by the group's young talents, whom he already judges as mature as thirty-something.
