The decision came a day after Neymar's Brazilian club, Santos, said it had accepted offers from Barcelona and Spanish rival Real Madrid, and that it was up to him to pick where he wanted to play.

The 21-year-old striker made the announcement on Twitter and other social media sites.

From The Weekender

All the streams. Where are the crowds?

Local music now dominates streaming charts across Southeast Asia. So why aren't Indonesian artists filling bigger rooms?

Read on The Weekender

"I wouldn't be able to wait until Monday. My friends and my family already know of my decision," he wrote. "On Monday I will sign a contract with Barcelona."

Barcelona confirmed the deal on its own Twitter account.

"FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Santos for Neymar," the club said. "The Brazilian player will join FC Barcelona for the next five seasons."

Messi was quoted as saying earlier this week that Neymar would be "a wonderful signing" for Barcelona.

Neymar didn't give any details on the offer he and Santos accepted from Barcelona. The club only said the agreement was for five seasons.

Neymar will play his last match with Santos on Sunday in the team's first match in this year's Brazilian league.

"I want to thank Santos fans for these nine incredible years. My feelings for the club and the fans will never change," he said. "I made it sure that I play (this last match) so I can have the opportunity to once again enter the field wearing the team's jersey and to hear the fans chant my name."

Neymar led Santos to its greatest run since Pele stopped playing for the club in the 1970s, helping the team 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.

He's also considered the national team's key player in the upcoming Confederations Cup and World Cup, which Brazil hosts next year.

Neymar will join Barcelona after the Confederations Cup, as the transfer window in Europe opens in July.

From The Weekender

The price you pay for living in Jakarta

It doesn't really matter where you live, Jakarta is expensive everywhere. The only real choice is what you're willing to pay with: your money, your time or your sanity.

Read on The Weekender

Popular

Indonesian hotel chain confirms exit from Cuba

Corruption scandals, rupiah fall revive reshuffle talks

Waiting is not an option