Neymar, a Brazilian forward, has left French champions Paris St. Germain to play for Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal.
According to estimates, the 31-year-old former Barcelona player’s contract is for roughly 90 million euros (£77.6 million) plus add-ons.
“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,” he stated.
Luis Enrique, the PSG coach, did not have Neymar on his roster for the upcoming campaign.
The striker, who paid a record-breaking £200 million to join PSG in 2017, was not included in their lineup for Saturday’s Ligue 1 match with Lorient.
Along with Lionel Messi leaving the team this summer, his departure matches PSG’s aim of eschewing the ‘Galacticos’ era of signing prominent players for large transfer fees and high salaries.
“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment,” Neymar added.
“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.”
The forward’s yearly salary at the French club was reportedly in the neighborhood of 25 million euros (£21.6 million).
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He has reportedly signed a two-year contract worth 150 million euros (£129.2 million) a year in Saudi Arabia, six times what he was paid at PSG.
Fahad bin Saad, the chairman of Al Hilal, referred to Neymar as “a global icon” and “an unstoppable attacking force” in his remarks upon his arrival at the team.
The Brazilian played 173 times for PSG, contributing to the club’s 13 victories, including five Ligue 1 championships and a trip to the 2020 Champions League final.
Neymar
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known as Neymar Júnior or as just Neymar, is a Brazilian footballer who was born on 5 February 1992 and plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team.
He is a prolific goalscorer and renowned playmaker. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world as well as one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time.
Neymar has scored at least 100 goals for three different clubs, making him one of four players in the world to have reached such an accomplishment.
He moved to PSG in 2017 in a move worth €222 million, making him the most expensive player in football history.