Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2157970/screaming-fans-photos-airport-staff-neymar-back-he-rejoins-psg-china
Sport/ Football

Neymar sends China delirious as screaming fans greet Paris Saint-Germain star ahead of French Super Cup game in Shenzhen

Brazil superstar meets dozens of supporters as he touches down to prepare for Saturday’s game against Monaco

Neymar meets dozens of his fans as he touches down in Shenzhen for Saturday’s French Cup. Photos: Twitter

Dozens of screaming fans welcomed Brazil star Neymar on Thursday as he flew in to China to rejoin Paris Saint-Germain after his disappointing World Cup.

The world’s most expensive player, wearing a canary-yellow hoodie, posed for pictures with airport staff before his noisy welcome in the arrivals hall.

Footage on Neymar’s Twitter account showed him signing Barcelona, Brazil and PSG shirts before being guided through the crowd by minders and security staff.

Neymar’s arrival, ahead of Saturday’s French Super Cup game against Monaco in Shenzhen, comes more than five months after his last appearance for PSG following a foot injury in late February.

The flamboyant forward then endured a turbulent World Cup as Brazil were stunned by Belgium in the quarter-finals and he was widely lampooned for his play-acting.

Neymar poses for a photo for a customs officer.
Neymar poses for a photo for a customs officer.

“I didn’t want to see a ball, or to see any more football played,” the 26-year-old said last month in an interview, describing his World Cup disappointment.

However, Thursday’s enthusiastic welcome indicated that his popularity in China remains very much intact.

Neymar gestures as he leaves his hotel to attend a training session in Shenzhen. Photo: AFP
Neymar gestures as he leaves his hotel to attend a training session in Shenzhen. Photo: AFP