February 7 – After nearly 12 years playing for two of the glitziest teams in Europe followed by a brief stop in Saudi Arabia, Neymar, once the world’s most expensive player, made his long-awaited return to his childhood club Santos this week and afterwards was lost for words.
The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain superstar came on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Botafogo on Wednesday and received a hero’s welcome at the club where he began his illustrious career.
Neymar confirmed last month he was returning to Santos, 18 months after joining Al-Hilal in a high-profile move for a reported €90 million.
At Barça previously he formed part of the prolific ‘MSN’ strike trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, winning the Champions League and two La Liga titles in four years. And in 2017, he became the world’s most expensive player after a $263 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, winning five league titles but ultimately leaving for Saudi Arabia having failed to help the club reach its ultimate goal of lifting the Champions League trophy.
Before Wednesday’s game, Neymar – who made his debut for Santos in 2009 and led them to glory in the Copa Libertadores two years later — received a spectacular light show as he emerged from the tunnel.
When he came on, he had a number of chances to get on the scoresheet and afterwards described the emotions of playing again for Santos and the need for patience while he returns to full match fitness. Injuries, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, limited him to just seven appearances and one goal for Al-Hilal.
“I can’t find the words to express the feeling when you love something. I love Santos very much and I can’t find the words to describe the feeling I felt when I stepped out onto the pitch today,” Neymar said.
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