Nigeria Premier League
Neymar on PSG with Messi: ‘We lived through hell’
Brazil forward Neymar said he “lived through hell” alongside former teammate Lionel Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.
Both players left PSG this summer, with Messi joining Inter Miami CF as a free agent and Neymar moving to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a €90 million ($98.6m) transfer.
Asked how he felt about seeing his good friend Messi lift the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, Neymar told Globo’s Esporte Espetacular in an interview given in June that aired on Sunday: “I was very happy for the year he had, but at the same time very sad, because he lived both sides of the coin. He went to heaven with the Argentina team, won everything in recent years, and with Paris he lived hell, we lived through hell, both he and I.”
Messi and Neymar, who had previously played together at Barcelona, won league titles at PSG but failed to bring Champions League success to the club.
Messi found it difficult to adapt to Paris and admitted in June that there was a “fracture with a significant group of the PSG fans” during his two seasons at the club.
Both players were booed and jeered by PSG fans following the team’s exits from the Champions League over the past two years.
Messi, who scored 21 goals and set up 20 more in all competitions last season, was also targeted by a section of the crowd in his final PSG home game.
Neymar said he believes the criticism he and Messi were subjected to was uncalled for.
“We get upset, because we’re not there for nothing, we’re there to do our best, [to] be champions, try to make history,” said Neymar, who missed the second half of last season with an ankle injury.
“That’s why we started playing together again, we came together there so we could make history. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it.”
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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