In a long -awaited return to her first Santos club, the Brazilian star went on to the field against Botaphog.
Brazilian striker Neymar brought his long-awaited return to his Santos Children’s Club in uneven drawing 1-1 with Botaphogo in the Brazilian Championship of Paulist.
Urban Caldeira stadium broke out in the celebration as cheerful and tearful fans illuminated their mobile phones to leave the attacker, who left the club 12 years ago, a hero welcome before starting on Wednesday.
Neymar, who celebrated his 33rd birthday, headed to the bench and came in after a break as Santos took the lead through the punishment of the first half of Tiquinho Soares.
However, the striker fought under the pressure of his first game in 16 months.
He tried to evoke a part of the magic that set him up among the best in Barcelona for five years, but that was not enough.
Botaphogo equalized through Alexandre de Jesus in the 67th minute. Wallison was discharged four minutes later for a misdemeanor at Neymar, but Santos couldn’t use his superior numbers.
“I can’t find the words to express a feeling when you love something. I really love Santos and I can’t find the words to describe the feeling I felt when I went to the field today,” Neymar said after the game.
“It was a very tough game. I even commented that my father was on the side. I said,” It’s a tough game, they mark a lot of rear, they are a team that defends a lot, a lot of hitting. “And they found the ball and scored a goal . I think it’s time to be patient and get some practice, “the player added.
Neymar, who joined the Saudi Arabic side of Al-Hilal from Paris Saint Germain in 2022, was limited to seven appearances after breaking the front cross ligament and meniscus in October in October in his left knee in his left knee.
His return to Santos is an agreement for which the striker said he would bring his glorious career in a full round because he tries to do what he loves the most: “Play football.”
Neymar won six trophies during his first stay with Santos from 2009 to 2013, including Copa Libertadores from 2011.
