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Neymar Reveals His Motivation for Signing with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia
Around 10,000 Al-Hilal Neymar jerseys were sold within 7 hours following his signing on Tuesday. A clear indication of the euphoria that has grabbed Riyadh after the 31-year-old committed to a 2-year-deal set to earn him around $160 million per season, ending his 6-year spell at PSG.
While many of critics have accused Neymar of going for money at the expense of his not-yet-summited career, the Brazilian has asserted that his move to the Middle-East had little to do with the lucrative remuneration and more to do with his dream legacy. "I have achieved a lot in Europe and also enjoyed special times. But I have always wanted to become a global football player by testing myself with new challenges and opportunities in new countries. I want to write a new sporting history and the Saudi pro-League has incredible energy and quality players at the moment," he said after completing the transfer.
As much as many will dispute his claim, Neymar has already won the Champions League, Club World Cup, LaLiga and French League 1 titles, which are undeniably the biggest trophies anyone can win while playing in Spain and France respectively. Of course many football fans had hoped to see the Santos teenager who took Brazil and South American fooball by a storm a decade ago win the the Ballon d'Or, but as they will have to be contented with his 3rd spot finish in 2015. But who knows, he might decide to have a last dance in Europe after the 2 year deal runs out and give it a final shot at 34 years.
Neymar's $98 million transfer to Saudi Arabia (The biggest in fees so far) follows other top talents (most past their prime) who have left European leagues including 5-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, the current Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema, 2022 Ballon d'Or runners-up and 2-time African Player of the Year, Sadio Mane, former Chelsea midfield maestro and 2018 World Cup winner N'Golo Kante and goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy, Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, and Liverpool trio of Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho, all of whom have won the Champions League.
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