It was like in a movie. As on his first day with PSG, Neymar was presented triumphantly by his new club, Al-Hilal, who paid the tidy sum of 90 million euros to secure his services. The Brazilian was really able to measure his popularity rating during this event organized before the meeting between his new club Al-Hilal and Al Feiha.
The Brazilian had to be patient before getting in touch with his new audience, because the club’s two recruits, former Bordeaux player Malcom and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, were presented before him in a King Fahd International Stadium sold out. The 67,000 spectators, wearing scarves and signs bearing the likeness of the Brazilian star, also only had eyes for him. Excitedly, they began to chant his name, when a FUT card with a number 10 appeared above the stadium, followed by the face of the star also projected into the sky using dozens of drones.
dozens of drones depicted Neymar’s face in the skies of Riyadh. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP) AFP or licensors
Then, the long-awaited moment arrived when the announcer yelled a “Da Silva Santos Neymar Junior” into his microphone, thus provoking new cries from the crowd. The most anticipated man of the day then entered the lawn, dressed in Al-Hilal’s blue jersey, to Brazilian music and a shower of confetti. After clapping the hands of several children, he went up to a stage and greeted the crowd, visibly moved. A light show started with a small fireworks display and the slogan “Neymar is Blue” projected into the sky.
First game next Thursday?
All smiles, he then delivered his first words in front of a conquered audience. “I am very happy with this welcome, to be part of this new project. I am impressed and very happy. I came as a very great player in this country and I hope to be part of the history of the club and win many titles”, announced the former Parisian striker. And as all good things come to an end, Neymar entered the locker room, clapping the children’s hands again and applauding the audience.
Since the announcement of his transfer to Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian has received a lot of support and admiration from his new adopted country. As proof, he was greeted by fans, a good number of journalists and a bouquet of flowers as soon as his plane landed in the capital, Riyadh, on Friday. We will have to wait a little longer before seeing the debut of the Brazilian in his new colors. Not retained on the score sheet by his new coach, Jorge Jesus, to face Al Feiha on Saturday, the former glory of Santos could play against Al-Raed next Thursday. What cause some excitement among football lovers.
