Neymar greeted by ecstatic Chinese fans in Shenzhen

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Ecstatic fans greeted the latest global footballing superstar to touch down in China on Thursday, as Neymar arrived in Shenzhen ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's Trophée des Champions clash with Ligue 1 rivals Monaco.

The world's most expensive soccer player, whose last appearance for PSG came in February, was met by a large crowd of supporters chanting his name at the Shenzhen International Airport.

Neymar signed autographs for several fans – with many holding PSG banners, sporting Barcelona jerseys and waving Brazil scarves – and wore a smile during the brief appearance, before being whisked away from the airport.

PSG announced Neymar's arrival in Shenzhen through its official Twitter account. /Twitter screenshot

The Trophée des Champions is the annual contest between the Ligue 1 champion and the Coupe de France winner. It has been held outside France since 2009, with Beijing hosting the 2014 edition.

The 2018 showpiece will take place on August 4 at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center and will mark Thomas Tuchel's first competitive game as new coach of PSG.

Neymar made a stunning start to his PSG career, scoring 28 goals in 30 games last season. /VCG Photo

Neymar missed the final two months of the Ligue 1 season with a fractured foot and he has not been involved in PSG's pre-season preparations thus far after representing Brazil at the World Cup in Russia.

The ex-Barcelona player looks unlikely to feature against Monaco on Saturday, but he is expected to be fit for PSG's season opener against Caen on August 12.