Neymar returns to Santos FC after 12 years with a heartwarming welcome
A spectacle took place at the Santos football club stadium, where the presentation of the new player, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, occurred.
The famous Brazilian footballer, who returned to the club where he began his career after 12 years, was greeted with ovations by tens of thousands of supporters in the stands of Estadio Urbano Caldeira.
Neymar Junior arrived wearing the number 10 shirt, which he will play in, a shirt passed down from the legendary Pele. The 32-year-old footballer was unable to hold back his tears during the official presentation.
"Thank you to everyone, especially to those who traveled long distances to be here with me. From now on, they will continue to enjoy Santos," said Neymar at the presentation.
FC Santos supporters are ecstatic. They are painting murals of their old hero and singing about him.
"We are saved. Our God has returned to lead us out of the darkness, to make us smile again. Neymar loves our team. His return will help Santos, especially financially," said one supporter.
Neymar Junior began his career at FC Santos. He made his first-team debut in 2009, at 17, quickly becoming a standout player. In total, he played 225 matches for Santos, scoring 136 goals and providing 64 assists. With FC Santos, Neymar Junior won the Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sudamericana, and the Brazil Cup titles. He then played for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, winning numerous titles. In August 2023, the footballer joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he played only 7 matches and scored just one goal due to a prolonged injury.
Neymar Junior signed a 6-month contract with FC Santos, hoping that his performances will earn him a spot back on the Brazil national football team.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
