Neymar has made it clear that he sees his future in the Saudi Pro League, amid talk of a potential reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Brazilian moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023Fitness problems have limited his impactIntends to honour deal in the Middle EastFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazil international has made just seven competitive appearances for Al-Hilal since joining them in the summer of 2023 – a matter of weeks after Messi also left Paris Saint-Germain to take on a new challenge in the United States.
AdvertisementWHAT NEYMAR SAID
Neymar has endured an injury-ravaged spell in the Middle East, leading to talk of his contract being torn up and a switch to MLS being made, but the 32-year-old claims to be happy in his current surroundings. He has told : “I decided to leave PSG and this offer to join Al-Hilal came. I got the offer right after I left, because I was simply no longer happy there, at PSG. The club and the coach did not want to use me anymore. They had already spoken to me about it, so I had to make a decision. And I liked the offer from Al-Hilal. I got to know this club, the local culture and the championship.
“I was very surprised by my welcome here and the kindness of the supporters. The championship is growing, our team too and with my family, we are certain that we made a good decision. I am really very happy here. And all the players who want to come here are surprised by the level and some very positive aspects of this championship.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar added on his plans for the immediate future: “First of all, I want to have a good season with Al-Hilal. I'm coming back from a very serious injury. I still have a little time to get back to my level and show why I'm here. My priority is there: to recover well, develop physically and simply play again.
“I would like to play in the 2025 Club World Cup with Al-Hilal, because it is very important for the club. Obviously the World Cup is the goal for all players. I have already played in three World Cups, I obviously want to do the fourth. I have to be focused on that, prepare well here and have this medium-term objective after getting back in shape here, at my club.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Neymar damaged knee ligaments when turning our for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier back in October 2023. He says his intention is to represent the Selecao again in March 2025, as he counts down to the next World Cup. Neymar said of pulling on the famous yellow jersey again: “Absolutely, yes, yes, I will be back. I am preparing for it and I am even excited. I should have been called up for this gathering (in November), but after talking with the coach, he decided not to call me.
“Next time, I will surely be with my team-mates, I am preparing for it in any case. There is nothing better than representing your country. We hope that the team will improve, it is evolving. We must not forget that the team is young, we have potential and we will have to exploit it as quickly as possible so that we can become a great team.”
