WATCH: Neymar gets rapturous welcome at Saudi club Al-Hilal | Football News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Brazilian football star Neymar received a rapturous welcome from a multitude of devoted fans at Al-Hilal, marking his entry into the ranks of high-profile footballers who have joined the well-funded Saudi Pro League.
A spectacle of flame-throwers and an impressive burst of fireworks illuminated the sky over Riyadh, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the charismatic forward’s appearance in Al-Hilal’s distinctive blue attire at the grand King Fahd International Stadium, which can hold up to 68,000 spectators.
Neymar, 31, previously the world’s most expensive footballer following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, reciprocated the warm reception with waves and smiles to the excited crowd.
Adding to the visual spectacle, a drone exhibition formed the words “Neymar is blue” in the airspace above the venue.
WATCH:
A spectacle of flame-throwers and an impressive burst of fireworks illuminated the sky over Riyadh, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the charismatic forward’s appearance in Al-Hilal’s distinctive blue attire at the grand King Fahd International Stadium, which can hold up to 68,000 spectators.
Neymar, 31, previously the world’s most expensive footballer following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, reciprocated the warm reception with waves and smiles to the excited crowd.
Adding to the visual spectacle, a drone exhibition formed the words “Neymar is blue” in the airspace above the venue.
WATCH:
After his unveiling, along with fellow new signings Malcolm and Yassine Bounou, the stadium lights came on and the Muslim call to prayer rang out over the loudspeakers.
Excitement has been high for Neymar, who joins a string of huge names approaching the twilight of their careers to be lured by oil-rich Saudi’s giant contracts.
Neymar joined Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona six years ago for a world-record fee of 222 million euros ($242 million), scoring 118 goals in 173 matches despite a series of injuries.
He will earn 100 million euros a season in Saudi Arabia, according to a source close to the negotiations, while PSG will pocket 100 million euros in the deal.
(With inputs from AFP)
