The successes of the Brazilian superstar Neymar are undisputed in his home country – but the move to Saudi Arabia causes a lack of understanding. The footballer defends his decision.
Soccer superstar Neymar has countered criticism of his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabia.
“Al-Hilal is a massive club with amazing fans and the best in Asia. It makes me feel like this is the right decision at the right time for me. I love winning and scoring goals and I plan to to continue that in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal,” his new employer quoted the 31-year-old in a statement. He wants to write a new story and the league in Saudi Arabia has “tremendous energy”.
Especially in his home country of Brazil, the move of the attacker from the French series champions PSG to Saudi Arabia caused regret and incomprehension. “Going to Al-Hilal will be an eternal mark in Neymar’s career,” wrote the Brazilian sports portal Globoesporte. “If the priority was to build and consolidate his career, Ney (his nickname) would not be going to Saudi Arabia at this point.” Neymar has successes such as winning the Olympic gold medal and victories in the Copa Libertadores and Champions League. But the feeling remains that “one of the greatest talents of his generation” could achieve much more, the comment said.
Annual earnings of 100 million euros
According to Saudi Arabia-funded news channel Al-Arabija, PSG are set to receive a transfer fee of €90m, with Neymar’s annual earnings being even higher at €100m. Opinions in Brazil had already differed when the gifted technician was transferred from FC Barcelona to Paris in 2017 for the record sum of 222 million euros. At the time, there were fears that Neymar might not be as challenged in France as he was in Spain, also in view of the long-awaited win of the fifth world title.
According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, Neymar’s plan is to stay in Saudi Arabia for two years, then return to Europe on a free transfer at the age of 33, play a season at the highest level before the 2026 World Cup – and one last chance have to win the tournament with the Brazilian national team.
Before Neymar, numerous well-known professionals had already switched to Saudi Arabia. The multiple world footballer Cristiano Ronaldo made the start in winter.
Source: Stern
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