RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal announced on Monday that it had reached an agreement with Brazilian striker Neymar to terminate his contract by mutual consent.

The decision marks the end of a short and tumultuous spell for the 32-year-old forward at the Riyadh-based club. Neymar’s time at Al-Hilal was largely marred by injury, with the player featuring in only seven matches for the club.

During his brief tenure, he managed just one goal and two assists, failing to live up to the high expectations that accompanied his transfer.

His time on the field was cut short by an ACL injury sustained while playing for Brazil in October 2023, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Despite his limited appearances, Neymar was still a part of the squad that helped Al-Hilal secure the Saudi Pro League title for the 2022-2023 season, a significant achievement for the club.

His injury meant he was unable to contribute to the team’s efforts during the latter stages of the campaign, but his presence off the pitch was still seen as a valuable addition to the squad.

Al-Hilal, who made headlines in August 2023 with Neymar’s high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported 90 million euros ($94 million), had hoped for a much more fruitful partnership.

His transfer, one of many that saw the kingdom make waves in the global football scene, was seen as part of a broader strategy to elevate the profile of Saudi football internationally.

However, Neymar’s time in Saudi Arabia was never able to reach its potential due to his significant injury setback.

The official announcement from Al-Hilal expressed gratitude for Neymar’s contributions, stating that the club “expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al-Hilal.”

Despite the premature end to his tenure, the club acknowledged the striker’s status as a marquee signing and a symbol of the growing ambitions of Saudi football.

Neymar’s contract was originally set to expire after Al-Hilal’s participation in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place between June 15 and July 13 in the United States.

However, the early termination of his contract allows both Neymar and the club to part ways amicably, with the Brazilian now free to pursue new opportunities as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury.

As Neymar begins to assess his next move in what has already been a storied career, questions about his future will undoubtedly dominate the football world.

After enjoying significant success with Barcelona and PSG, Neymar’s future remains uncertain, but this unexpected chapter in Saudi Arabia may mark a pivotal moment in his journey.

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, will likely turn their attention to reinforcing their squad in the wake of Neymar’s departure, as they continue their push for further domestic and international success.