Soccer Football - Neymar signs for Al Hilal - Paris, France - August 15, 2023 Al Hilal's new signing Neymar holds their shirt as he poses with President Fahd bin Saad Al-Nafel Saudi Pro League/Handout via REUTERS
Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar joined the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on Tuesday for a fee of around 90 million euros.
“I’ve achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,”
Said the 31-year-old Brazilian after completing the move.
Neymar, who joined PSG for a record fee of 222 million euros in 2017, missed Saturday night’s Ligue 1 opener against Lorient with a viral infection.
“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment,”
“I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.”
Neymar added.
It is believed the former Barcelona striker will earn 150 million euros a year in Saudi Arabia.
Al Hilal’s chairman, Fahad bin Saad, called Neymar a global icon and an unstoppable attacking force in welcoming him to the club.
Legend
Neymar made 173 appearances for PSG, helping the club win 13 trophies, including five Ligue 1 titles.
“It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world,”
“I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris St-Germain, and what he has contributed to our club and our project over the last six years.”
Said PSG supremo Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Neymar’s departure comes two days after the France international Kylian Mbappé rejoined first team training.
The 24-year-old was also left out of the squad for the Lorient game as part of a row over his refusal to sign a contract extension.
Last month, PSG gave Al-Hilal permission to talk to Mbappé after the Saudi side made a world-record 300 million euro bid. But he declined the advances.
