Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The year-old signed a six-month contract, which he said could be extended. Neymar later admitted his return was also due to his feeling unhappy at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier this year as he struggled to get playing time. He said he would be ready to play for Santos at least 30 minutes in a match scheduled for Saturday if he was given the go-ahead by local soccer authorities.
His evening arrival highlighted by fireworks capped a three-hour fiesta which also featured local singers. We lived great moments here. Neymar said at a media conference that he and his family had adapted well to Saudi Arabia, but his lack of playing time since his return from an ACL injury — he hasn't played since November — forced his move. So there was the chance to come back and I did not think twice.
Since the first day I decided I wanted to come back, I told my father and agent and it all worked. I gave away a lot of things to be here. It was a perfect marriage at an unimaginable moment for both parts. Two weeks ago I didn't even think I would be here.
Shortly before, Neymar greeted his future teammates and club executives at the Santos training ground. Neymar's private jet landed in the Sao Paulo state countryside from Saudi Arabia in the morning but he requested a few hours of rest before being flown into Santos by helicopter. Video posted by Santos on social media showed Neymar not wearing the No. Saudi club Al-Hilal terminated Neymar's contract with mutual consent this week, six months early, after playing only seven matches and scoring once since September The ACL injury sidelined him for a year until October.
Al-Hilal said Neymar could no longer perform like he used to. Neymar also left Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to criticism, even though he delivered silverware and goals. On Thursday, he said he hopes to get some love back home, where he is revered. Neymar played matches for Santos in his first spell.
