Neymar thanks PSG supporters for 'magical, magnificent' welcome

PARIS -- Despite his ineligibility for the Ligue 1 season opener against Amiens, Neymar was introduced to Paris Saint-Germain supporters at Parc des Princes on Saturday -- once the crowd finally stopped chanting his name.

French DJ Martin Solveig set the tone for the party atmosphere in the French capital with a prematch set as fans took their seats waiting for a glimpse of the €222 million man.

They finally got it just over an hour before kick-off as Neymar followed chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi onto the pitch with fireworks going off as he emerged from the players' tunnel.

The Brazil international made his way to the podium and after a few introductory words from Al-Khelaifi on the most expensive football player in history, Neymar was finally allowed to address the crowd.

Facing a sea of PSG's Samba-themed yellow shirts, the 25-year-old declared his "disappointment" at being unable to feature against newly promoted Amiens but spoke of his gratitude to the fans for the warmest of welcomes.

"This is magical, magnificent, I want to thank the supporters," Neymar declared via beIN Sports France to the stadium. "I am disappointed to be ineligible today, I really wanted to [play], so it will maybe be next week instead.

"In the dressing room? I am alongside Dani Alves and Thiago Silva, once again. I hope that we are going to have a great season together."

Neymar then completed a lap of honour and ended by throwing his shirt to the section of Ultras situated at the Auteuil end of Parc des Princes.