Against all odds, Neymar remains a PSG player. And what a player he remains. 

The fans may not like him - they made that much clear as he played for the first time this season against Strasbourg - but Thomas Tuchel's side need him. 

It looked as if the Ligue 1 champions were going to be held to a goalless draw at the Parc des Princes.

That was until the Brazilian stepped up to the plate with a superb bicycle-kick to win the game in the 92nd minute. 

Unfortunately, it's going to take something truly remarkable from the wantaway forward this season if he's to win over the supporters. 

In his first two years in France, he's scored 35 league goals in 38 games, but his transfer saga has completely overshadowed his exploits. 

That statistic's also rather alarming. The fact that he's only played 38 league games in two and a bit seasons, when PSG made him the most expensive player in the world, is further ammunition for the club's ultras. 

They chanted "son of a b****" at him and booed as he made his return. 

Where a humbler man might have been phased, the 27-year-old decided to defy his critics by dazzling instead. 

In addition to his goal, he was also at his skilful best, perplexing Strasbourg defenders and looking back at his prime following his latest injury. 

Imagine jeering a player who can do that every week. 

After PSG kept their place at the top of the table, Neymar was at least accepting of the situation. 

"I understand the fans and I know it was difficult for them," Neymar told reporters.

"I'm used to being booed throughout my career. This time, every game will be like an away game. Everyone knew I wanted to go. I said it and I repeated it.

"I don't want to go into details about what happened in the negotiations. Everyone knows what they did during that period. It's time to turn the page. I am a PSG player and I will give everything on the pitch.

"I don't need the fans to support me. I stayed and I will defend this team. It doesn't matter how the fans respond. What's important is playing and winning."