Neymar’s performance was a bright spot, signaling a return to form for the star forward and lifting the spirits of the Santos faithful.
Neymar started his career at Santos before moving to Barcelona and then Paris Saint-Germain.
The Urbano Caldeira stadium erupted in celebration as jubilant and tearful fans lit up their mobile phones to give the striker, who left the club 12 years ago, a hero's welcome before kick-off.
Neymar has been one of the finest players in the world when at the top of his game, a forward with dazzling skill who "understands football as art", as his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique once said.
Santos' president told Brazilian superstar Neymar it was "time to return to (his) people" in a video published on social media on Tuesday.
Neymar’s performance was a bright spot, signaling a return to form for the star forward and lifting the spirits of the Santos faithful.
Neymar started his career at Santos before moving to Barcelona and then Paris Saint-Germain.
The Urbano Caldeira stadium erupted in celebration as jubilant and tearful fans lit up their mobile phones to give the striker, who left the club 12 years ago, a hero's welcome before kick-off.
Neymar has been one of the finest players in the world when at the top of his game, a forward with dazzling skill who "understands football as art", as his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique once said.
Santos' president told Brazilian superstar Neymar it was "time to return to (his) people" in a video published on social media on Tuesday.
