Charles Oliveira speaks out on Neymar's potential return to Europe with Santos & Brazil icon now living in same luxury complex as UFC star

Neymar mutually terminated his Al-Hilal contract in January to move back to his homeland as he signed for boyhood club Santos on a short-term six-month deal. After a disappointing spell in Saudi Arabia, where he played just seven matches in one and a half years and was plagued by multiple injuries, the forward is now slowly regaining his older form. He has recorded six goal contributions in seven outings for Santos thus far. The 33-year-old has been linked with a move back to Europe amid his resurgence, with a return to Barcelona or a move to Bayern Munich mooted as potential options.

Brazilian UFC star Oliveira has now shared his opinion on where the star footballer should play after he leaves Santos. Speaking to Oddspedia, the MMA athlete said: "Neymar needs to play where he is happy. If that’s in Brazil or in Europe or in America, we all want him to feel happy and that’s the same for everyone. Whether it’s with Santos or in Europe or in America, when he feels great his football shines."

Oliveira also spoke about his connections with the ex-Barcelona star and revealed that they now reside in the same luxurious complex in Brazil. The 35-year-old added: "We are both in different sports but we live in the same complex in Brazil. The interesting thing for me is how we both came from poor areas and have gone on to win in life. We have different sports, different stories and different lives, but we both came from nothing to find success. I haven’t seen him for a while because he has only recently moved back to Brazil."

Neymar has suffered yet another injury, which dashed his hopes of returning to the Brazil national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. He will hope to return to full fitness for Santos by March 30, when they are due to take on Vasco da Gama in their Brazilian Serie A season opener.