VIDEO: Neymar breaks down in tears during hugely emotional Santos unveiling after boyhood club confirm his return after ill-fated Al-Hilal spell

The Brazil star returned to his boyhood club after 12 years as Santos unveiled their icon to a massive reception with thousands of fans in attendance. Neymar broke down in tears while addressing the crowd, as the fans cheered for their 'prince'. The 32-year-old's contract at Al-Hilal was terminated earlier this week after a disastrous, injury-ravaged 18 months in the Middle East.

After the unveiling ceremony, Neymar spoke to the media in a press conference, where he said: "There are some decisions that go beyond the logic of soccer, and some are impactful. When I was sure I was coming back, I confess that in January, at the beginning of January, I couldn't imagine coming back to Santos or leaving Al Hilal.

"I was very happy there, my family was very happy there, and I was very adapted and full of desire to play. Things happened and I had to make a decision. I started to feel sad in training, on a day-to-day basis, and it wasn't going very well for me. The opportunity to return came up and I didn't think twice."

He added: "From the first day, I had already decided to come back, I told my father and everything worked out. Everyone is happy. I'm back with renewed energy. Ever since I set foot here I feel like I'm 17 again. I'm very happy, excited and very keen to play."

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is expected to kick off his second stint with Santos in March when the 2025 Brazilian Serie A gets underway.