Kylian Mbappe and Neymar exchanged a quick, awkward hug as the Brazilian said goodbye to Paris Saint-Germain and headed to Al-Hilal.
WHAT OCCURED? The Brazilian moved to the Middle East, where he will make a staggering €160 million (£137 million/$175 million) over two seasons. Aside from the pay, he reportedly demanded a lot, including a 25-room home with a pool and sauna, nine automobiles, and full reimbursement for all meals at restaurants and lodging.
But at Camp des Loges, he made sure to bid his teammates and coach Luis Enrique farewell before departing from Paris. He was seen briefly hugging a beaming Mbappe prior to moving through a tunnel of slaps. The caption on the video uploaded from the club’s official account read: “Thanks, @neymarjr! A cordial farewell was exchanged this morning between Parisians and Neymar Jr. at the PSG Campus.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mbappe and Neymar are rumored to have a chilly relationship. The French forward reportedly warned PSG that there was “no more room” for the two to coexist at the club, according to a post on Instagram that he liked. There were also rumors that Mbappe wanted to fire Neymar and up to 13 other French club employees in 2022, which the Frenchman was compelled to officially refute.
Intriguingly, Mbappe’s suspension was removed and he was reinstated into the team on the same day that the club officially confirmed Neymar’s transfer to Al-Hilal.
THEN WHAT? After joining Al-Hilal, Neymar will be eager to participate as soon as possible. Neymar might play against Al-Feiha on Saturday night in the Saudi Pro League. The same day in Ligue 1, Mbappe will try to lead PSG to victory against Toulouse after the French team labored to a 0-0 draw in their debut without him.