Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Brazilian star Neymar, currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has expressed confidence in his decision to join the Riyadh-based club.

The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward also shared his excitement about returning to Brazil's national team for the upcoming international break after a long injury layoff.

In an interview with French radio station RMC, Neymar opened up about his injury, his move to Saudi Arabia, and his outlook for the future.

He confirmed that his recovery is progressing well and that he hopes to return to action soon.

When asked about his return to the pitch, Neymar said: “I feel good and much better now. I’ve started training on the field again, but unfortunately, I am still recovering. Thankfully, the injury is less severe now, and I’ll be back soon.”

Discussing his decision to leave PSG and join Al Hilal, Neymar explained: “I decided to leave PSG because I was no longer happy there. The club and the coach made it clear they didn’t want to use me anymore.”

“The offer from Al Hilal came immediately after I left, and I liked the idea. I explored the club, the local culture, and the league itself. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and the kindness of the fans. The league is growing, and so is our team. My family and I are confident we made the right choice.”

Neymar spoke highly of his experience in Saudi Arabia, saying: “I’m genuinely very happy here. Any players thinking about coming to this league will be surprised by its quality and the many positive aspects it offers.”

Reflecting on his struggles with injuries, Neymar emphasized the mental strength needed to recover: “Dealing with an injury is always complex for athletes, especially serious ones. Returning to peak performance isn’t easy. It’s a mental battle, and I’m fortunate to have had incredible support from my family and friends. That has made me stronger and allowed me to progress both physically and mentally.”

Neymar has been sidelined since October 2023 due to an ACL injury sustained during Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. While he recently returned to training, another minor injury temporarily delayed his full comeback.

When asked whether he still loves the game, Neymar responded: “Of course, I’m passionate about football. My years at PSG were some of the best in my career, even though I faced frequent, long-term injuries. Looking back, I’ll never forget moments like reaching the Champions League final in 2020. Those memories are etched in my heart.”

Neymar confirmed his eagerness to rejoin the Brazilian national team in March: “Yes, I’m preparing for my return. I was supposed to be called up in November, but after discussing it with the coach, we decided against it. In the next international break, I’ll definitely be with my teammates. Representing my country is the greatest honor, and I’m optimistic about the potential of this young team. We have a lot of talent, and with time, we can become a great team.”