Brazilian superstar Neymar received a hero’s welcome when he arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The 31-year-old forward was greeted by a large crowd of Al-Hilal fans at the airport, who cheered and chanted his name according to goal. Neymar waved to the fans and posed for photos before being whisked away to his hotel.
Neymar is the latest elite player to join a Saudi Pro League club. He signed a two-year contract with Al-Hilal reportedly worth $200 million. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans disappointed to see Neymar leave European football, while others are excited to see him play in the Middle East.
Neymar is expected to make his debut for Al-Hilal next Thursday against Al-Raed. The club is currently top of the Saudi Pro League table and is hoping that Neymar can help them win the title.
In a statement, Neymar said he was “excited to start this new chapter in my career” and that he was “looking forward to helping Al-Hilal win trophies.” He also thanked the fans for their welcome and said he was “humbled” by the support.
Neymar’s arrival in Saudi Arabia is a major coup for the Saudi Pro League. The league has been trying to attract top talent in recent years in order to raise its profile and compete with the European leagues. Neymar’s signing is a significant step in that direction and is likely to boost the league’s popularity both domestically and internationally.
It remains to be seen how Neymar will perform in Saudi Arabia. He has had a mixed career in Europe, with some brilliant moments but also periods of injury and controversy. However, there is no doubt that he is one of the most talented players in the world and he will be expected to help Al-Hilal win trophies.
