Brazilian sensation Neymar has disclosed the primary motivation behind his lucrative transfer to Saudi Professional League team Al Hilal.
After an extended period of conjecture, the news was officially announced on Tuesday afternoon that Neymar had departed European football, bidding farewell to Paris Saint-Germain in favor of joining Al Hilal.
Reports have indicated that the transfer arrangement to move the 31-year-old to Saudi Arabia amounted to a sum of £86 million.
Neymar is said to be in line to receive a staggering annual salary of £138 million while he is with the Saudi Arabian club.
In his initial interview since becoming a member of the team, Neymar shared that financial gain was not his principal incentive behind the transfer.
As pertalkSPORT, he said: “I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places.
“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment.
“I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.”
Neymar continued: “Al Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club.
“I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al Hilal.”
Neymar has joined the ranks of prominent European players making a move to the Middle East.
In the ongoing summer transfer window, a number of notable figures including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Sadio Mane have all transitioned to the Saudi Professional League.
On the other side, Neymar’s new team has secured the signings of well-known players such as Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sergej Milinkovic Savic.