Neymar on Santos return: Like going back in time

Neymar has confirmed he will return to his boyhood club, Santos, as he looks to recover from an ACL injury that has heavily disrupted his career in recent seasons.

In an emotive post on Instagram, Neymar said that re-joining the São Paulo-based side that he left for Barcelona in 2013 was "like going back in time," describing it as the perfect place to regain his form and fitness.

"Only a club like Santos can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years," he said.

Neymar was limited to just seven appearances for Al Hilal, who he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a €90 million ($93.8 million) move in 2023, due to the ACL injury and fitness issues it provoked.

ESPN reported on Wednesday that Neymar will sign a short six-month contract with Santos before then seeking a return to Europe's top five leagues.

A Santos official told The Associated Press that Neymar is expected to arrive at Sao Paulo's international airport at 9 a.m. local time on Friday. He will then board a helicopter to go to the club's Vila Belmiro Stadium. After he signs his contract, he will be reintroduced to fans during the evening.

Sources have told ESPN he could make his debut against Botafogo SP on Feb. 5.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.