Neymar has doubled down on his commitment to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after they were crowned champions on Saturday.
♦ Brazilian out with ACL injury
♦ Joined in with SPL title celebrations
♦ Says he will be back next season
WHAT HAPPENED?
Al-Hilal secured the title with three games to spare following their 4-1 win over Al-Hazm on Saturday, stretching their lead over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr to 12 points. Neymar entered the pitch in his kit to join in with the celebrations despite being out with an ACL injury and he admitted he is already looking forward to the 2024-25 campaign with the Saudi champions.
WHAT NEYMAR SAID
Amid the celebrations, the 32-year-old said: “I am feeling good. I am impatient to be back on the pitch. The fans are unbelievable. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to give them the happiness they deserve but you can be sure that next season we are going to have a lot of fun.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Even without the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona man, Al-Hilal have dominated the opposition in Saudi Arabia’s top flight this term. They are yet to lose a game and they beat closest rivals Al-Nassr 2-0 back in February. The returning Neymar will feel like a new signing for the club next season and they will stand a good chance of retaining their title.
WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
Neymar is still going through a lengthy rehabilitation process but reports suggest he will return to full fitness between July and August. The new Saudi Pro League campaign will commence at a time when their talisman should be ready to make his comeback and he will be raring to go having missed so much time in 2023-24.