slotsdreamer Neymar confirms Brazil return: ‘Only Santos can give me the love I need’

FILE – Brazil’s Neymar waves to fans during a training session in Cuiaba, Brazil, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, File)

SAO PAULO — Neymar has confirmed he will sign what is expected to be a short-term contract with his boyhood club, Santos, as the Brazil striker aims to recharge his career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 32-year-old Neymar said Thursday that he’s returning to the Sao Paulo club, and local media reported that the deal will extend only to June 30.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Only Santos can give me the love that I need to prepare for the challenges I have in the next few years. All of you, no matter who you support, know well what I am talking about,” Neymar said on his social media channels. “I hope you all follow me in this new phase of my life.”

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS Crucial PBA Commissioner’s Cup doublerheader up SPORTS NBA: Victor Wembanyama among six first-time All-Star selections SPORTS PVL: Much-improved ZUS Coffee showing promise READ: Neymar returns to Brazilian club Santos after Saudi stint

Santos used its social media channels to respond Neymar’s video: “Your home awaits. Your people awaits.” Neymar left Santos nearly 12 years ago to join Barcelona.

The striker’s return follows the termination of his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Neymar had returned in October from an ACL injury sustained while playing for Brazil only months after he joined Al-Hilal. He played only seven matches and scored once for the Saudi team.

Article continues after this advertisement

Neymar also left Paris Saint-Germain under criticism from fans, who accused him of not caring enough about his fitness. In 2017, his exit at Barcelona was also frustrating for club supporters, who hoped he could help Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez win more trophies.

Article continues after this advertisement

A Santos official told The Associated Press that Neymar is expected to arrive at Sao Paulo’s international airport at 9 a.m. on Friday. He will then board a helicopter to go to the club’s Vila Belmiro Stadium. After he signs his contract, he will be reintroduced to fans during the evening.

Article continues after this advertisement

The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

READ: Neymar in talks to leave Saudi team Al-Hilal–club source

Neymar has already played 225 matches with Santos. He scored 138 goals for the club, many of which key for the six titles he won at the Brazilian giant, which was relegated in 2023 and returned to the country’s top division last year.

Article continues after this advertisement

Neymar became the most expensive player in soccer history when he transferred from Barcelona to PSG for 222 million euros (then $262 million) in 2017.

cryptoslots

Neymar’s most recent match was played in November. Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus had repeatedly cast doubts about the striker’s form to play.

Neymar left the Saudi Arabian league after playing just seven games in 17 months following his big-money move to the oil-rich kingdom. The Brazilian’s contract was due to expire after this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, which will be played between June 15 and July 13 in the United States.

The striker joined the Saudi club from PSG in August 2023 for 90 million euros ($94 million). His salary was reportedly one of the biggest in world soccer as well.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals in 125 matches, also said he is focused on getting more playing time so he can prepare for the World Cup in North America next year in what could be his last shot at winning the tournament.

Government debt in these countriesslotsdreamer, which are home to around 40 percent of the world’s population, now stands at an average of 72 percent of GDP – an 18-year high – the Washington-based development lender said.

READ NEXT Man United and Tottenham reach Europa League round of 16 NBA: Jaren Jackson sinks late freebies, Grizzlies edge Rockets EDITORS' PICK QC Mayor Joy Belmonte signs calorie labeling ordinance IRR Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx to perform at Grammys Marcos sees ‘destab’ bid in SC petition vs budget 9 of 10 voters favor bets pushing for jobs, food security – survey Marcos offers China a missile ‘deal’ 5 more Chinese ‘spies’ nabbed MOST READ Small Laude grieves death of dad Andres Eduardo Marcos on Rodriguez's dare for hair follicle drug test: Why should I? PNP official among fatalities in Washington mid-air collision Iris Lee proud girlfriend as Xian Lim earns private pilot license Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments