Neymar announced Thursday he was returning to Brazilian club Santos, where he started his career, after ending his injury-plagued spell with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. - Pele's heir - At the start of his career he was cast as the heir to Pele.

"Only Santos can give me the love that I need to prepare for the challenges I have in the next few years. All of you, no matter who you support, know well what I am talking about,” Neymar said on his social media channels. “I hope you all follow me in this new phase of my life.”

The 32-year-old superstar has struggled with injuries but hopes a return to South American can revive his career