Xavi: Neymar broke news of Barcelona exit at Messi's wedding

It was at Lionel Messi's wedding where Xavi Hernandez, the eternal midfielder who defined an era at Barcelona, learned that Neymar wanted to abandon the Catalan ship.

In conversation with the BBC World Service, Xavi explained how Neymar told his teammates at Barcelona that he was leaving the Blaugrana. The product of La Masia, who left the club in 2015, revealed: "He say to us in Messi's wedding that he wanted to change, he wanted to change the club, and I say to him: 'But why?' 'I'm not happy in Barcelona, I believe goes out to have a new experience in Europe and Paris Saint-Germain,' and, finally, it was his decision. We must respect it. And I think with Neymar, with (Kylian) Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain has a great chance to win the Champions League this season."

Neymar joined PSG in a transfer valued at €222 million. Barcelona demanded in August that the Brazilian return the contract-renewal bonus he received, as well as €8.5 million in damages and an additional 10 percent for the arrears. The Blaugrana also requested PSG take on responsibility for payment of the fees if the footballer is unable to do so.

Neymar and his lawyers subsequently released a joint statement that read: "We inform everyone that Neymar and his lawyers are aware of the news released today regarding the legal actions filed by FC Barcelona before the courts of Barcelona. Following official notification and after full review of the club's claim, the player's formal defence will be filed in due course. Regarding the bonuses owed for the execution of the contract of 2016, it is also necessary to inform that the player has already initiated the formal procedures of collection before the competent courts."

At PSG, Neymar boasts six goals and five assists in Ligue 1, and three goals and two assists in the Champions League.