RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — Translating his flair for the dramatics on the field to the release of Nike’s new soccer boot, Brazilian phenom Neymar played both rock star and politician, carefully explaining for the first time in public his reasons for selecting new club Barcelona.

“It’s been a dream come true. I’m really happy,” Neymar told a group of international journalists gathered in Rio’s city center. “At the same time, I’m a bit sad because I’m leaving my cherished team in a city where I grew up and where I played for nine years in Santos.”

But in an one-on-one interview later with FOX Soccer’s Keith Costigan, Neymar talked more candidly about his move to Spain, saying it came down to La Liga rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. In the end, Neymar’s father, who helped broker the deal, said Barcelona’s offer was stronger.

“My dad was in negotiations. He knows the details,” Neymar told Costigan. “During the last meeting Santos showed us the proposals, and Barcelona’s was the best. And that’s when I made my decision.”

Entering a dark, mock pitch Tuesday to heavy music and flashing pictures of some of the world’s greatest players, Neymar coolly sported the country’s yellow and blue kit before lacing up the new Nike Hypervenom boot.

But even at the official release for shoe, the first questions revolved around the 21-year-old’s decision this week.

“The feeling is like having butterflies in my stomach,” Neymar said. “I still feel it… to be playing with great players like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Daniel Alves, Adiano and others who are in the team.”