LONDON - Brazilian forward Neymar has signed a contract extension to remain at boyhood club Santos until the end of 2025 while leaving the door open for a longer stay, according to PA Media/dpa.
Neymar, 33, returned to Santos in January after cutting short his stay with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, initially signing a deal until June 30.
But the club on Tuesday announced a new deal which runs until the end of the year, and said there was "the possibility of renewal after the end of the contract.”
Speaking to the club website, Neymar said: "I made a decision and I listened to my heart. Santos is not just my team, it is my home, my roots, my history and my life. Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved.
"Here I can be myself, truly happy. And it is here that I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing will stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end.”
Neymar has been limited by injuries since returning to Brazil, scoring three goals and adding three assists in 15 games for Santos this year.
However, in total he has 141 goals and 69 assists in 243 appearances for the club. - BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa