Neymar posted a message to his fans on Instagram on Thursday after a recall to the Brazilian national team for the first time in almost 18 months.
The 33-year-old has not represented his country since he sustained a serious knee injury in their match against Uruguay in October 2023.
The devastating blow came only a few weeks after his lucrative move to Saudi Arabia and he only played seven times before Al-Hilal after further setbacks for injuries.
But he returned to his boys' club Santos in January and registered six targeted involvement in seven trips, so that he was chosen in Brazili's team on Thursday for their upcoming world cup qualifications.
Neymar looked at the announcement of the team live and shared a photo of himself who listened to the press conference of the national team boss Dorival Junior on Instagram.
In addition to the photo, Neymar wrote: “Happy to be back!”
The 128-CAP International has been the Talisman of Brazil since his debut as an 18-year-old in 2010.
Yet Dorival junior fans and the media encouraged not to put too much pressure on Neymar when he returns after his long absence.
“It is not necessary to talk about what Neymar represents,” he said. 'He is currently recovering his form, we understand and are aware of this. But we believe that his capacities and qualities enable him to overcome every situation on the field.
'He is a player whose [Brazil] Teammates themselves have publicly pronounced what he represents for the group.
'We were waiting for him to return, this is the first chance that we could have him [since recovering from injury]. I hope he is very happy when he returns.
“Let us give him the confidence to develop to the best of their ability, let's not create high expectations, let us not post all responsibility on his return.”
Brazil is currently in fifth place in their qualifying group of World Cup and still has work to do their place during next year's tournament.
They must be confronted later this month with Colombia and rule of world champions Argentina.
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