Neymar couldn't hold back tears during an emotional unveiling as he returned to boyhood club Santos on Friday.
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Neymar unveiled at Santos in an emotional ceremonyBroke down in tears while addressing fansReturned to Santos after 12 yearsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazil star returned to his boyhood club after 12 years as Santos unveiled their icon to a massive reception with thousands of fans in attendance. Neymar broke down in tears while addressing the crowd, as the fans cheered for their 'prince'. The 32-year-old's contract at Al-Hilal was terminated earlier this week after a disastrous, injury-ravaged 18 months in the Middle East.
AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT NEYMAR SAID ABOUT JOINING SANTOS
After the unveiling ceremony, Neymar spoke to the media in a press conference, where he said: "There are some decisions that go beyond the logic of soccer, and some are impactful. When I was sure I was coming back, I confess that in January, at the beginning of January, I couldn't imagine coming back to Santos or leaving Al Hilal.
"I was very happy there, my family was very happy there, and I was very adapted and full of desire to play. Things happened and I had to make a decision. I started to feel sad in training, on a day-to-day basis, and it wasn't going very well for me. The opportunity to return came up and I didn't think twice."
He added: "From the first day, I had already decided to come back, I told my father and everything worked out. Everyone is happy. I'm back with renewed energy. Ever since I set foot here I feel like I'm 17 again. I'm very happy, excited and very keen to play."
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is expected to kick off his second stint with Santos in March when the 2025 Brazilian Serie A gets underway.