Gabriel Barbosa has returned home to Santos, almost 17 months after his long unfortunate stints between Milan and Lisbon in Europe. From today, the Brazilian striker can officially call himself a Santos player, without hiding any emotion.

These were his words to the Santos website: “It happened all so fast 2 years ago, it was a learning period for me. I am very happy to come back and wear this shirt. My love for Santos will be eternal. I’m a ‘Santista’ from an early age, as well as my whole family, and they knew how much I wanted to come back here, now everything will be fine. I come back more mature and with more experience, however, I continue with the same ambition as ever, and now I will continue my cycle here at Santos, scoring goals and helping the team.”

Gabigol believes he is ready to return to the pitch: “I am very anxious and enthusiastic to step on the field, especially in the Libertadores, which is a championship that I have always wanted to play in, I want to help the team, show my love for this beautiful club. It will always be in my heart. I always loved to sing the songs dedicated to Robinho and Neymar. When I listen to chants made for me, it makes me shiver”.