NEYMAR is on the verge of hitting the jackpot with his mega-money move to Saudi Arabia – but he plans to devote his career to POKER when he retires from football.

The Brazilian superstar has undergone a medical at Al-Hilal ahead of a stunning £2.7million-a-week transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar is on the verge of a mega-money move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP

The Brazilian plans to play poker professionally when he hangs up his bootsCredit: Poker Stars

The world’s most expensive footballer has told PSG of his desire to quit the club last week.

As a result of manager Luis Enrique’s desire to construct a younger team, the club left him out of the squad for the season opening against Lorient in Ligue 1.

Neymar had requested that his agents find him a new team, and his father allegedly spoke with officials from Al-Hilal.

Apparently convinced by the Saudi side, he is getting a physical before signing a two-year agreement, according to multiple reports.

A fee of £86.3m has reportedly been agreed upon, and the transaction may be finalized within the next two days.

After winning championships in Brazil, Spain, and France, he is on the verge of making a move to the Middle East in the hopes of earning a salary more commensurate with his talents.

However, he has already revealed his passion for playing poker, and he aspires to get professional once he hangs up his boots.

He made the announcement in 2020, after obtaining a position as PokerStars’ cultural ambassador.

“It’s true I plan to turn pro,” Neymar admitted. After my football career is ended, I plan to pursue a career as a professional poker player.

I picked up the game during the 2014 World Cup and immediately became enamored with it.

I’m known for my aggressive poker style. After my jersey number, ten and five are my favorite hands to play.

You have to assess the field and your opponent similarly before deciding whether or not to launch an assault in football and poker.

“I used to play it quite frequently when at Barcelona, and we play it quite frequently at PSG.

I play too many hands, but I make it difficult for my opponents to read me.

When I initially bought a dog, I gave him the name Poker since I am such a huge fan of the card game.

“When I play, whether it’s with friends, online, or in a tournament, my goal is always to win.”

 

Neymar serves as PokerStars’ cultural ambassador.

Andre Akkari and Rafa Moraes, two of the best poker players in Brazil, have taught Neymar the ropes.

What I enjoy most about poker is not just the game itself, but rather the community and culture that has grown up around it,” the forward continued.

To quote him directly: “I am excited to start this next chapter with PokerStars, and we are already collaborating on a number of key areas.”

In 2017, when PSG paid £198 million to acquire Neymar from Barca, he was the most expensive player in the world.

He had reconstructive ankle ligament surgery in March, so he has been out of action since then.

Once healthy, he will be able to play alongside the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and £60 million winger Malcom, all of whom have played for Chelsea.