Brazilian striker Neymar has noted that the experience of playing for Santos again after 12 years as indescribable.

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At 33 years old, Neymar returned to Santos on January 31, having left the club in 2013 to join Barcelona.

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He came on during the second half of the match, with Santos leading 1-0. Despite being back from injury, Neymar made an impact as Botafogo came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Vila Belmiro.

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“I love Santos,” said Neymar.“I have no words to describe what I felt tonight when I stepped again on this pitch.

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“I need minutes, games. I’m not at 100%. I didn’t expect to run and dribble so much tonight. I think I’ll feel better in four or five games.”

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A number of Botafogo players and members of the club’s backroom staff sought out Neymar on the pitch after the final whistle to request photos with the former Brazil captain.

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Neymar on pitch with his arms stretched out wideImage source: Getty Images

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Neymar won six trophies during his first time at Santos, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

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He left the club at just 21, having scored 136 goals in 225 games.

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While away, Neymar became the world's most expensive player when he moved from Barcelona to Paris St-Germain for £200m in 2017.

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However, his time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal went poorly after he injured his knee ligament, which kept him from playing in more than seven matches.

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In 2023, Santos, the club once home to Brazil legend Pele, was relegated from the top division for the first time in its 111-year history. But they made an immediate return to the top league by winning Serie B the following season.

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