Fans booed and jeered Santos star Neymar yesterday after it was announced he was leaving for Barcelona. Neymar failed to inspire his team in a goalless draw against Flamengo in their opening match of the Brazilian championship.

Many of the 63,500 spectators who filled Brasilia's Mané Garrincha National Stadium were Flamengo fans who booed Neymar when he gained possession of the ball and cheered when he lost it.

"It was an honour to have played for this marvellous team Santos. I am so happy I did.

"Every child has a dream, either to be a player, a dentist or a reporter. My dream was to become a professional athlete and I have achieved that. Today Barcelona is fulfilling my dream of going to a totally beautiful team," he told Globo TV.