'I don't know yet' - Neymar leaves Santos future up in the air

Neymar returned to play a match on Thursday after more than a month out with injury, but even with his presence Santos lost 5-4 in a penalty shootout against CRB, who have qualified for the round of 16 of the Brazilian Cup.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona player came on after 65 minutes of the match played at the Rei Pele stadium, but played at a discreet level. Santos and the team from Maceio drew goalless in full time.

Although Neymar did not miss his shot in the penalty shootout round, CRB, from the Second Division, eliminated Santos and achieved an unprecedented qualification. The star's return was eagerly awaited by Santos fans, who are second to last in the league with four defeats in their last five games.

At the end of the match, he spoke to 'Amazon Prime', the official broadcaster: “I know that with me on the pitch things are different. In 20 or 25 minutes I can make a difference. I know I can help my teammates. It's the first game after a long time, but it can't depend only on me. Everyone knows the situation we are in and we need all the players to get out of this situation. My renewal? I don't know.

Neymar had been sidelined since mid-April when he felt discomfort in his left thigh during a match against Atletico Mineiro, the second injury he has suffered so far this season. The discomfort also sidelined him from the national team, which will be coached by Italian Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar signed with Santos, the team where he started his career, a six-month contract that ends in July and it is not yet known if it will be extended.