'I listened to my heart' — Neymar reveals emotional motivation behind Santos contract extension as Brazil star pens new deal to end of 2025
Neymar opened up on the emotional reason why he decided to sign a new Santos contract and extend his stay back in Brazil.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- Neymar signs new Santos contract
- Revealed emotional reason behind deal
- Initially rejoined at start of 2025
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |
-
Table of Contents
ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
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.
- Getty Images Sport
THE BIGGER PICTURE
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.
-
WHAT NEYMAR SAID
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."
- Getty Images
WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
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.
Advertisement
