Neymar made a memorable return to the pitch of his beloved Santos on the day he turned 33. But it wasn’t as spectacular as anticipated by a packed Urbano Caldeira as Santos settled for a 1-1 draw with Botafogo in the Brazilian Paulista Championship.

As for Neymar, the magician with a ball, it was a difficult return to action after a long injury layoff during his time in the Saudi Pro League. Neymar did not start the match and came on as a substitute after the break. But Neymar was weighed down by the pressure of the world watching and the physical struggle of playing competitive football after 16 months.

He tried to perform some magical moves, but perhaps the occasion got the better of him. Santos had taken the lead in the first half through a Tiquinho Soares penalty, but Alexandre de Jesus equalised in the 67th minute. Botafogo were reduced to 10 men after Wallison received a red card for a foul on Neymar.

But Santos could not deliver a win on the homecoming of their most famous player since Pele. “It was a very difficult game. I had even commented that my father was there on the side. I said, it's a difficult game, they're marking a lot at the back, they're a team that defends a lot, a lot of hitting. And they found a ball and scored. I think it's time for me to be patient and get some practice,,” Neymar said post-match.

Neymar was overwhelmed by the affection shown by Santos faithful. “I can't find the words to express the feeling when you love something. I love Santos very much and I can't find the words to describe the feeling I felt when I stepped out onto the pitch today.”

Neymar had left Santos, his boyhood club, 12 years ago. He joined Barcelona, where he had a storied career alongside fellow South American stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Neymar then joined French side Paris St Germain before trying his luck with Al Hilal in Saudi. It wasn’t a good outing for Neymar in Saudi as a series of injuries sustained during a World Cup qualifier reduced game time at Al Hilal to just seven matches in more than 18 months.

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