Neymar loving life at Barcelona despite lack of silverware

Published Aug. 12, 2014 6:28 a.m. ET

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However, as he prepares for the 2014-15 season having belatedly joined up with his team-mates for pre-season training a week ago, Neymar insists he is loving life in Barcelona.

"I'm delighted with the affection of Barca fans, they are around the world, in countries that I never expected," the 22-year-old forward told the club's official website. "It makes me hugely happy.

"I love much of what I do, which is playing football. For me there is a great pride in being part of the history of Barcelona - one of the biggest clubs that exists in the world.

"I have the pleasure of wearing the Barca shirt and play with team-mates whom I am a fan of and whom I admire very much."

Neymar suffered a back injury while on World Cup duty with Brazil this summer but was declared fit upon his return to Camp Nou and could play a part in the club's next pre-season clash with Leon on August 18.

Barca will subsequently kick off their Liga season on Sunday August 24 at home to Elche.

#PHOTOS @Neymarjr 's first training session. Full gallery: http://t.co/kDyTC5PnjV #fcblive pic.twitter.com/lZMB9MDMVU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 11, 2014

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