Neymar insists he was motivated to complete £78m move to Al-Hilal by his desire to become a ‘global player’ after agreeing a £260m two-year deal in Saudi Arabia

Neymar has revealed his decision to leave European football for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was inspired by his ambitions to become a ‘global player’.

The Brazilian completed his £78m move to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after departing reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain following six years in France.

Neymar will earn a whopping £260m after agreeing a two-year deal in the Middle East, but has claimed his true reasons for leaving PSG aren’t down to the money on offer.

The 31-year-old is set to be given a hero’s welcome when he is unveiled as Al-Hilal’s newest summer addition with the club set to splash out millions on a ceremony.

Speaking after completing his transfer, the attacker explained: ‘I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places.’

The Brazilian completed his £78m move to Al-Hilal on Tuesday after deciding to leave PSG

‘I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. 

‘I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.

‘Al-Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club.

‘I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al-Hilal,’ he added.

The Brazil international departs European football following a 10-year stay on the continent where he enjoyed success at both Barcelona and PSG.

His time at the Catalan club saw him become a serial LaLiga winner along with lifting the Champions League, a fate that he was unable to replicate in Paris.

A move to Saudi Arabia tops off a summer of lavish spending by the nation that has seen their ambitions to acquire top footballing talents take a huge step forwards.

Neymar is the biggest high-profile name to arrive in the country after Cristiano Ronaldo ditched England to pursue a move in December last year.

However, other stars have also cemented their place at other Saudi Pro League clubs after deciding to cash-in on the huge paydays on offer.

Jordan Henderson left Liverpool captain to join Al-Ettifaq, Riyad Mahrez opted for a Man City departure despite winning the Treble with the club, while Sadio Mane ended a torrid one-season stay at Bayern Munich before signing for Al-Nassr.

Neymar claims he wants to become a ‘global player’ after moving to Saudi Arabia