• Source:JND
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Neymar Jr, the star Brazilian footballer, had made a return to his boyhood club Santos FC after 12 long years and was seen crying upon getting a raucous reception from the fans.

Santos, who were relegated to Brazil’s second division in 2023 and was promoted again in the latest season, took to social media to announce that 'The Prince is Back'.

In hopes of rediscovering himself, Neymar is back to the club where he started his career. He got a bit emotional during his unveiling at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira.

"The contract is for six months initially, but obviously we will do all we can that he remains with us," Santos's vice-president Fernando Bonavides told Canal SporTV. "What we are hoping is that he remains with us until next year's World Cup."

While the official announcement was made on Friday, the 32-year-old confirmed the decision in the video posted by Santos across all platforms.

"I'll sign the contract with Santos Futebol Club. I want to thank my fans from all over the world, wishing for this moment to come true for a long time.

"It's been nearly 12 years since I left the most famous Vila in the world – and it seems like it was yesterday. My feelings for the club and fans have never changed. Now, I need to play (football) again and only a club like Santos can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years," said Neymar in the video.

During his first stint at the club, Neymar bagged a staggering 136 goals and provided 64 assists in 225 matches. He helped the Brazilian club to their first Copa Libertadores title in nearly 50 years, back in 2011.

After having notable stints at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the 32-year-old joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 for a reported fee of around 90 million euros ($98 million).

However, he managed to make just seven appearances for the Saudi-based club, having sustained a knee injury in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

Amid heavy speculations, Al-Hilal announced their decision to mutually part ways with Neymar on Friday, with the Brazilian taking to social media later to post a note for Al-Hilal fans, thanking them for their support.

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