Neymar makes Saudi exit plan no secret and takes public action with Messi plea
Neymar has admitted that he wishes to play alongside former strike partner Lionel Messi again in a startling admission after speculation emerged regarding his 'problems' in Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian attacker's career in Europe saw him team up with the legendary World Cup winner at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as they struck up a bond on and off he pitch. Firstly forming part of a famed three-pronged forward trio including Luis Suarez at Camp Nou, they won the Champions League in 2015.
This sensational trio was broken up by Neymar's record-breaking £198million move to PSG in 2017 but the forward reunited with Messi four years later in the French capital. With their careers having been interwoven during their time on the continent, they parted ways again in 2023.
Messi departed for Inter Miami in MLS in the summer, with Neymar heading for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal as their union came to a close once more. However, less than a year into his stay in the Gulf State, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer has admitted that he dreams of playing alongside his old ally once more.
READ MORE: Neymar hints at Kylian Mbappe rift with telling response to comments on PSG exit
Apple TV release MLS Season Pass worldwide and announce free opening weekend
READ MORE: How 8 big names have fared in Saudi Arabia after Jordan Henderson ends nightmare
Speaking at the Formula One season opener at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the 32-year-old winger confessed to ESPN that he does not feel his story with Messi is a closed chapter. He said: "I hope we do play together again. Leo is a great person. Anyone in football, everyone knows him. I think he is very happy. If he is happy, I am too."
In truth, Neymar's seven months in Saudi Arabia have not exactly gone to plan, with the star having sustained a major anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty in October. This occurred after just five games for his new club following his £77m switch, and effectively ruled him out for the season.
Demonstrating the severity of the injury the Brazilian had suffered, he was subsequently de-registered from the team's squad to free up a foreign roster spots. Still, even before this injury, his goalless start in the Pro League had led to whispers that the superstar had not exactly settled in the country.
Click to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
Neymar struck up a bond with friend and former teammate Lionel Messi while in Europe together (Getty Images)Reports emerged while he was fit that he was 'already a problem in Saudi Arabia' after an alleged fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus, while Al-Hilal chiefs were supposedly 'not happy' with his start, according to El Nacional. Moreover, the breakdown in communications was allegedly so pronounced that Neymar was claimed to have called for the manager to be sacked, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Still, Neymar spoke upon his arrival of his desire to make his mark in the Gulf State, having signed a lucrative £128m-a-year two-year deal. He said: "I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places.
"I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place. I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al-Hilal."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
