'I was very upset!' - Neymar blasts Al-Hilal and boss Jorge Jesus after returning to Santos following dismal spell at Saudi Pro League club

Brazilian superstar Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal as their marquee signing in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €90 million (£75m/$93m). However, after just five games with Jesus' side, Neymar suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and was ruled out for the season. The 33-year-old returned to action in the 24/25 campaign but soon picked up another injury and was ruled out yet again.

Neymar then returned to fitness but was not given playing time and was also not registered for the Saudi Pro League by Al-Hilal boss Jesus, who claimed that the former Barcelona star "can no longer play at the level we are used to." This prompted Neymar to work out a deal with the Saudi Arabian league champions to terminate his contract in order to join his boyhood club, Santos. After his debut with the Brazilian side, Neymar blasted Jesus and Al-Hilal for their treatment of him while at the club.

Speaking to Caze TV, Neymar said: "Obviously I was very upset with Jorge Jesus' words when he said that I wasn't in the same condition as the team. In training, I showed that I was fit to play, in the same conditions as the other athletes. When we did group training, I was the one who made the decisions, I was the one who scored the goal, so I put a lot of worms in his head.

"I don't even like to talk about it, these controversial subjects, but it's the reality. When he gave me that information [that I was fit to play], I knew I would show something different when I went on the field. The field speaks. It's the only place I can defend myself, within the four lines."

After his second debut for Santos against Botafogo in the Campeonato Paulista, Neymar admitted that he needs some game action to return to full physical fitness for the side as he aims to prove his Saudi Arabian doubters wrong.