Chelsea target Neymar has signed a new five-year contract with Brazilian giants Santos.
Santos star signs new deal with big clubs circling
Chelsea target Neymar has signed a new five-year contract with Santos after drawing interest from a number of European clubs this summer.
The reigning Premier League champions and FA Cup holders had reportedly made a substantial bid for the teenager, who scored on his Brazil debut against the USA last month.
Neymar's potential move had caused a stir in Brazil with legendary striker Pele and new national team coach Mano Menezes publicly urging him to remain in his homeland.
"The final decision always rests with the player," the 18-year-old said.
"My father always will want what is best for me. I talked to him and decided to stay.
"Money alone does not bring happiness. I'm happy here and I want to continue being so.
Wisdom and power
He added: "It was a complicated decision, very difficult. But God gave us the wisdom and power to make the best decision.
"Now it's time to only think about Santos and winning more titles."
Santos' president Luis Alvaro lauded Neymar for his "courageous decision" to stay in Brazil and believes other young players should follow suit and spurn the interest of European clubs.
"We've built a different possibility," Alvaro said.
"We no longer accept the idea that we're an underdeveloped nation always at the mercy of the powerful European clubs."
