Neymar scored for the first time in 16 months after his penalty set Santos on the way to a 3-1 win over Agua Santa in the Paulista Championship on Sunday and the Brazil forward said he was happy to be playing again after a long injury absence.

Brazil star Neymar, who rejoined boyhood club Santos last month, has thanked the team and fans for helping him "rediscover joy" following the end of his long goal drought in Sunday's 3-1 win over Agua Santa.

Neymar scored his first goal for Santos since returning to Brazil when he converted a penalty Sunday in a 3-1 win over Sao Paulo-based Água Santa. Finding the net from the spot in the 14th minute of the Sao Paulo state championship match will provide the 33-year-old star some relief after a tough restart.

The Brazilian international Neymar Jr has been heavily linked with his return to FC Barcelona, where began his career in European football after leaving boyhood club Santos FC in 2013. Neymar Jr recently returned to Santos FC after a gap of 12 years following his contract termination at Al Hilal,

Neymar wants to "take it easy" and explained his rationale behind signing a six-month contract at Santos amid sensational Barcelona return talks.