NEYMAR has become the newest face of Puma after ending his 15-year link with Nike.
And the Brazil ace says his new ties with the firm are inspired by his admiration for some of the greatest players in football history.
The PSG star, 28, is set to don the firm’s latest boot range, known as The King, in tribute to some of the icons.
His new Puma affiliation was announced on the company’s web site with a banner which read “The king is back” and “Welcome to the family Neymar Jr”.
And the news was greeted with a welcome message from sprint king Usain Bolt, another star face of the brand.
Neymar took to social media to share the reasons behind his new ties.
And he cited legends Pele, Johan Cruyff, Eusebio and Diego Maradona – all noted for wearing Puma in the past – as his inspirations.
These were the kings of the pitch, the kings of my sport. I want to help bring back memories from each of their football histories
Neymar
In a Twitter post, Neymar wrote: “I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pele, Cruyff, Matthaus, Eusebio and Maradona
“These were the kings of the pitch, the kings of my sport. And they had something in common — a love of the game, a drive to be the best version of themselves and a spirit that unites all.
“I wish to bring back the legacy that those athletes created on the pitch.
“I want to help bring back memories from each of their football histories and the magic they gave us in their classic leather boots.”
Neymar says his heroes such as Diego Maradona have inspired his new partnership with one of Nike’s biggest rivalsCredit: Neymar Snr / www.neymaroficial.com
Puma officials are reported to have been in secret talks with the Brazil striker for monthsCredit: Reuters
Puma’s deal to add Neymar to their roster is thought to have been a huge secret within the sports firm.
Neymar was part of a PSG side that reached the final of last season’s Champion’s League, losing 1-0 to Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
The striker returned to training with the French giants on Friday despite testing positive for the coronavirus.
In his absence, the Ligue 1 title-holders lost their season opening game 1-0 to Lens.
The Brazil forward has entered his fourth season at the side following his record-breaking £196million transfer from Barcelona in 2017.
Neymar ‘tests positive for coronavirus’ after Ibiza holiday as PSG confirm three cases just eight days before season
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
