DOZENS of screaming fans welcomed Brazil soccer star Neymar on Thursday as he arrived at the Shenzhen airport to rejoin Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after his disappointing World Cup. The world’s most expensive player, wearing a canary-yellow hoodie, posed for pictures with airport staff before his noisy welcome in the arrivals hall. Footage on Neymar’s social media account showed him signing Barcelona, Brazil and PSG shirts before being guided through the crowd by minders and security staff. Neymar’s arrival, ahead of Saturday’s Trophee des Champions (French Super Cup) game against Monaco in Shenzhen, came more than five months after his last appearance for PSG following a foot injury in late February. The flamboyant forward then endured a turbulent World Cup as Brazil was stunned by Belgium in the quarterfinals and he was widely lampooned for his play-acting. However, Thursday’s enthusiastic welcome indicated that his popularity in China remains very much intact. Neymar arrived in Shenzhen ahead of PSG’s first competitive game under new coach Thomas Tuchel. Following the World Cup fiasco, Neymar has a chance to move on this weekend, as he could be in line to face Monaco after PSG confirmed he has joined his teammates in China. The much-anticipated Kylian Mbappe will not compete in Saturday’s game, disappointing many fans. In April, the French Football League (LFP) and Kaisa Culture and Sports Group announced the signing of a major six-year contract for the development of Ligue 1 Conforama in China. The deal will result in the 2018 and 2019 Trophee des Champions taking place in Shenzhen, along with a further edition between 2020 and 2023. It has been held outside of France since 2009, with Beijing hosting the 2014 edition. The 2018 Trophee des Champions will take place at the 60,000-seat Shenzhen Universiade Center, which is operated by Kaisa Culture and Sports Group. LFP said several events will be organized in China throughout the seasons between 2018 and 2023 to promote French soccer. (More on P11) (SD-Agencies) | 