Cristiano Ronaldo had ONE massive hope for Neymar's football career - and it didn't happen.
Neymar followed Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia when he penned a lucrative contract with Al Hilal.
But he endured a nightmare spell in the Middle East as he played a measly seven games across all competitions, having been blighted with a series of injuries.
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Neymar is closing in on a return to Santos, where he began his professional career before earning himself a blockbuster move to Barcelona.
He will be hoping to remain fit and play some minutes following his injury-hit Al Hilal spell.
In 2019, when the Brazilian was linked with a return to Barca following his Paris Saint-Germain transfer, Ronaldo was asked about the superstar forward.
At the time, Ronaldo said he just wants Neymar to avoid injuries and play football - something which he hasn't been able to do.
"It's the press' job because they need to sell, but I think he'll stay in Paris. If not, he'll go where he's happy and where he can express his football a lot," he said, per Marca's Pablo Polo and Sergio Fernandez.
"I like to see him playing and regardless of where he is, taking care of himself and avoiding injuries. That's what I want for him."
Several injuries have prevented Neymar from playing football, with the 32-year-old making just two appearances this season.
Neymar, who scored 136 goals for Santos before his move to Barca, will aim to resurrect his career with his boyhood club.
Speaking last November, Botafogo president Durcesio Mello claimed Neymar's injury record works against him as he compared the Brazilian to Lionel Messi and Ronaldo
"God forbid," he said. "Neymar is one of the greatest players I've ever seen play, he's at the same level as Messi and much better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he ruined his career, which culminated in this injury that lasted a little over a year, and now he's injured again."
Topics: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
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