Neymar returns after 369 days

UAE, Oct 22nd (RHC) Neymar returned to play a soccer match after 369 days, during which he had to face a long recovery from the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee he suffered in the Brazil-Uruguay match in 2023. His Al-Hilal beat Al-Ain 5-4 in the Asian Champions League to continue his perfect season.

“I felt good. It was very tough. We always have a good team. But I'm very happy. I'm back,” said the Brazilian star immediately after the match. Ney came on in the 77th minute for Nasse Al-Dawsari, who had a clear chance to score but his shot went just wide.

Several players, such as Andreas Pereira, Lucas Paquetá, Raphinha, Savinho, and Gabriel Magalhães, reacted to the Brazilian player's return, as well as other Brazilian soccer stars, including Deyverson, Gabigol, Thiago Silva and Felipe Melo.

Finally, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) celebrated the news with euphoria, arguing that Neymar represents “the magic of national soccer”: “The CBF celebrates and congratulates Neymar, one of the best players in the history of world soccer, on his return to the field of play”.

While waiting to find out if he will be called up for the October FIFA Date, in which the Verdeamarela will face Venezuela and Uruguay, the local soccer governing body added that Neymar “returned to doing what he loves most, playing soccer”, and showed “that he maintains his characteristic genius and talent”.

Source: ESPN