Neymar has officially left Al Hilal after an 18-month stint, marking his return to his boyhood club, Santos. The Brazilian football star departed from the Saudi Pro League team on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to the club for their unwavering support during his tenure. Despite his high-profile transfer in the summer of 2023, Neymar admitted disappointment over limited playing time due to injuries.
During his time at Al Hilal, Neymar managed only three league starts, scoring a solitary competitive goal. This goal came during a 3-0 victory against Iranian side Nassaji Mazandaran in the group phase of the Asian Champions League Elite. Despite the $94 million (€90m) deal that brought him to Saudi Arabia, Neymar struggled to leave a lasting impact, largely due to persistent injury concerns.
Neymar's contract with Al Hilal was initially a two-year agreement, promising substantial wages. However, injury woes significantly curtailed his appearances, limiting him to a mere seven matches. His final game for Al Hilal was a brief appearance in November, leaving fans desiring more from the Brazilian superstar.
In his farewell message, Neymar expressed heartfelt thanks to Al Hilal and its supporters, acknowledging their role during his challenging period. He lamented not having had more opportunities on the pitch, a sentiment that resonated with many who had hoped for a more fruitful spell in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar's emotional return to Santos marks a significant chapter in his career. The move back to Brazil is seen as a chance for him to revive his form and reconnect with the club where it all began. His return is eagerly anticipated by Santos fans, who are hopeful that Neymar will bring his world-class talent back to the pitch.
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