Neymar makes transfer promise to former club
Cameron Smith
- 12 Dec 2023 09:13 GMT
- 3 min read
Neymar has asked Santos to retire his No.11 shirt until he returns to the club, according to president Marcelo Teixeira.
The darkest day in Santos’ history came last Thursday when they were relegated from the Brazilian top flight for the first time in their 111-year history.
A 2-1 defeat against Fortazela confirmed their fate, with Marcos Leonardo’s 13 league goals unable to prevent a 17th place finish.
The talented 20-year-old forward is being chased by the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid, as reported by FootballTransfers, and he is expected to leave the club in January following their relegation.
Santos have confirmed that Pele’s iconic No.10 shirt has been retired after relegation was confirmed. The Brazi legend scored 643 goals in 656 appearances for his boyhood club, but has never had his shirt number retired until now.
On Saturday, Teixeira won Santos’ presidential elections for the third time in his career and he admitted: “Until Santos is back in Serie A, which is its standard, we will not play with the number 10 shirt.”
Neymar’s shirt to be retired too
In addition, the Santos president also revealed, as per SPORT: “On Sunday Neymar called me and told me 'President, since you have retired the 10 shirt until you return to the first division, then do the same with the 11 until I return here.’
“We are waiting for the return of Neymar, who is our great star. His words have given us a lot of hope.”
Neymar is currently at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after they agreed a €90 million deal with Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian forward, 31, has only made three league appearances for his new club, however, in addition to two games in the AFC Champions League.
The ex-Barcelona star has one goal and three assists in five matches for Al-Hilal, but has been sidelined through injury since October.
