Neymar bid farewell to Barcelona in a heartfelt Instagram post after joining Paris St Germain for €222 million to become the most expensive footballer of all time.

The Brazil forward, whose legal representatives on Thursday paid Barcelona the world-record fee to terminate the contract which tied him to the Catalan giants, has signed a five-year deal with the Ligue 1 club.

The 25-year-old spearheaded a lethal front three alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Camp Nou over the past four years, scoring 364 goals as triumvirate.

In his Instagram video, he said: “Barcelona was much more than a challenge. It was a dream of a child who played with those stars through the video game. I arrived in Catalonia at 21 years old filled with challenges.

“I still remember my first days at the club, sharing the changing room with idols like Messi, Valdes, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Pique, Busquets and many others. Waiting my turn to play in a club that’s ‘mes que un club’.

“Barcelona is a nation that represents Catalonia. I had the honour to play with the best athlete I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m sure that I will never see another one like him while I’m alive. Leo Messi, who became my friend on and off the pitch. It was an honour to play with you.

“I made a trio with Messi and Suarez that made history, conquered everything an athlete can conquer. Lived unforgettable moments.

“Barcelona and Catalonia will always be in my heart, but I need new challenges. I accepted PSG’s proposition to try new achievements and help the club win the titles their fans want. They showed me a daring career plan and I feel ready to take on this challenge.”