Brazilian football superstar Neymar has signed a new contract with his boyhood club, Santos, extending his stay until December with an option to prolong it further.
The 33-year-old, who returned to Santos in January after his stint with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, expressed his deep connection to the club.
“Santos is not just my team, it’s my home, my roots, my history and my life,” Neymar stated, adding, “I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end.”
Santos President Marcelo Teixeira lauded the decision, calling it a “historic and remarkable day” for Brazilian football and a “gift for the fans of Santos FC.”
Neymar’s previous spell at Santos saw him score 141 goals and provide 69 assists in 243 appearances.
Despite being recalled to the Brazil squad in March after a 17-month absence due to a knee injury, Neymar did not feature in recent World Cup qualifiers.