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.”

Neymar is set to sign a six-month contract on his return to boyhood club Santos as the Brazil international wants to return to Europe's top five leagues after the stint, sources have told ESPN.

Neymar has agreed to sign for his former side Santos in Brazil, saying "it feels like I'm going back in time". Brazil's record goalscorer, 32, is expected to sign a short-term deal at the club where he began his career.