Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has welcomed Neymar back to his boyhood club as the Brazilian returns home after a dismal spell with Al-Hilal.

Neymar has already said his goodbyes to the Saudi Pro League club as he heads home after an injury-plagued spell in the Middle East. The 32-year-old’s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent, leaving Neymar free to complete a January move to Santos after managing just seven appearances for Al-Hilal since joining the club in a €90 million (£77.2m/$98.3m) deal from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023.

Neymar has reportedly agreed a huge pay cut in order to secure his return to Santos as he heads back to the club where he first made his name, and won six titles, before heading to Europe with Barcelona. Club president Marcelo Teixeira has welcomed the Brazilian superstar back and wants to see him happy again after a tough time in the Saudi Pro League.

Teixeira confirmed Neymar’s imminent return in an emotional post on social media: “It is the time (to come back), Neymar. It is time for you to come back to your people. To our home, to the club in our hearts. Welcome, our boy Ney! A boy of Vila (Belmiro, Santos’ stadium). Come back to be happy again with the white and black shirt. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.”

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