FILE.- In this Dec.18, 2011 file photo, Spain's FC Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi, left, and Brazil's Santos FC forward Neymar congratulate at each other during an award ceremony at the Club World Cup soccer tournament in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Japan. Neymar announced Saturday May 25, 2013 he has made up his mind and will be joining Barcelona after the upcoming Confederations Cup.(AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File)
May 25, 2013 - 6:48 PM
SAO PAULO - Neymar said Saturday he has made up his mind and will be joining Barcelona after the Confederations Cup.
The decision came a day after his Brazilian club, Santos, said it had accepted offers from Barcelona and Spanish rival Real Madrid, and that it was up to Neymar to pick where he wanted to play.
Neymar made the announcement on Twitter and other social media sites.
"I wouldn't be able to wait until Monday. My friends and my family already know of my decision," Neymar wrote. "On Monday I will sign a contract with Barcelona."
He said he will play his last match with Santos on Sunday against Flamengo in the team's first match in this year's Brazilian league.
"It's a different situation for me," he said. "It's sad because it's a farewell and happy because it's a new challenge."
Neymar did not give any details on the offer he and Santos accepted from Barcelona. He will join Barcelona after the Confederations Cup, as the transfer window in Europe opens in July.
The 21-year-old striker is considered the future of Brazilian football and will carry the country's hopes in the Confederations Cup next month and in the World Cup at home next year.
Neymar led Santos to its greatest run since Pele stopped playing for the club in the 1970s. The youngster helped Santos win the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships. He is the club's leading scorer in the post-Pele era with 138 goals in 229 matches.
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News from © The Associated Press, 2013