'I listened to my heart' - Neymar reveals emotional motivation behind Santos contract extension as Brazil star pens new deal to end of 2025

After weeks of speculation over Neymar's future, the Brazil icon has finally penned a new contract with Santos. The 33-year-old's previous deal, which he signed in January, would have expired after June 30, but his new contract will now keep him at his boyhood club until the end of 2025.

A new deal was agreed between Santos and Neymar after club president Marcelo Teixeira met the footballer's father on Tuesday. There were rumours of Neymar being targeted by a number of Champions League clubs last week, but he eventually decided to stay in his home country.

After putting pen to paper on a new deal, the player told Santos' official website: "I made a decision and I listened to my heart. Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life. Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end."

The Selecao star will hope to remain injury-free for the rest of the year to get enough game time to impress Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star's ultimate dream remains to represent his nation for the fourth time in the World Cup in 2026.