Neymar ‘convinced’ by AI video featuring Pele to complete remarkable transfer

Santos are yet to officially unveil Neymar but president Marcelo Teixeira appeared to confirm he had agreed to join after a post on Instagram – and it’s believed a video made with AI was crucial in convincing him to return

Neymar was reportedly convinced to rejoin boyhood club Santos after the Brazilian side created a video using AI with Pele’s voice urging him to “return home”.

The 32-year-old is set to return to the club where he started his career after his contract with Al-Hilal was cancelled by mutual consent following a nightmare spell.

Neymar joined the Saudi Arabian side for £77.6million in 2023, where he earned around £130m a year, but his time in the Middle East was blighted by injury problems and he only played a total of seven games.

The former Barcelona and PSG was linked with the MLS, with Chicago Fire and Inter Miami both linked, but Santos emerged as the favourites for his signature.

Santos are yet to officially unveil Neymar but president Marcelo Teixeira posted a video that appeared to confirm he had agreed to join.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the emotional AI video that has been circulating on social media, showing footage of Neymar playing for Santos as a youngster, was used in negotiations with Neymar in a bid to persuade him.

The voice of Pele is used in the video, with the late Brazilian legend speaking to Neymar directly, telling him “his throne is empty” and that “Brazil needs you again”.

Pele says in the clip: “I can see everything from up here. Hard times. The city is sad. The Village is dark. My throne is empty. My shirt is stored away. No one has yet appeared who can wear it. In fact, I think there is only one person who can wear it, you know?

“Not only Santos, but Brazil needs you again. Listen to your heart. Return to your home, to your city, to your people. I allow you to wear my throne and my crown.

“Remember what you promised? I’ll go, but I’ll come back. From up here I will always applaud you, my prince.”

An official announcement from Santos is expected imminently, after Teixeira stoked up excitement with his own video appearing to unveil Neymar. He said: “Seems like yesterday, time goes by way too fast. The time has come to build our new history. Come back to your home, we are with open arms!”

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