Neymar becomes goodwill ambassador for world's disabled

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar kicks the ball on the "Broken Chair", made by Daniel Berset and symbolizing opposition to land mines and cluster bombs in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

GENEVA (Reuters) - Neymar, fresh from his first win with Paris St. Germain and his world-record signing for the club, became a goodwill ambassador for Handicap International on Tuesday, pledging to work for millions who are "less visible" but deserve equality.

The Brazilian forward, whose 222 million-euro ($259.72 million) signing from Barcelona this month doubled the world- record transit fee, mounted a huge statue of a chair outside the U.N. in Geneva that symbolises landmine victims.

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar holds a ball in front of the "Broken Chair", made by Daniel Berset and symbolizing opposition to land mines and cluster bombs in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

He kicked a soccer ball to fans standing below and into the U.N. grounds. Surrounded by his parents, Neymar Santos Senior and Nadine Santos, he wore a black baseball cap and Handicap International black t-shirt with the inscription "Repair Lives".

"I would like to begin by thanking you all for what you do for the least visible in the world, so they become more visible.

I have to say that I am very pleased to be here and to be the new ambassador," the 25-year-old told a news briefing.

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar holds a ball in front of the "Broken Chair", made by Daniel Berset and symbolizing opposition to land mines and cluster bombs in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

"I hope this will be a very successful partnership and that we will be able to help a large number of people," he said. "Millions want their rights, they want to be treated better. That's what we are here for and that is what our aim is."

Neymar, asked what work or field visits he planned, replied:

"Obviously the practical part of this partnership still has to be discussed. I know that my image is very powerful and can help."

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

The charity was founded in 1982 to assist 6,000 Cambodian refugees who had lost limbs and later co-founded the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in 1992 which won the Nobel Peace Prize.

"What people may not realise is that beyond this exceptional sportsman, there is of course a conscience and a voice," said Manuel Patrouillard, managing director of Handicap International. "A voice which Neymar Jr. decided to put to the service of others, specifically for the most vulnerable, which our organisation works for," he said.

(This story changes day to Tuesday from Monday in first paragraph.)

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar holds the ball on the "Broken Chair", made by Daniel Berset and symbolizing opposition to land mines and cluster bombs in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay)

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar arrives for an event outside the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar arrives for an event outside the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar attends a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar signs autographs in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar poses with a ball in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Handicap International and Paris Saint-Germain's soccer player Neymar holds a ball in front of the "Broken Chair", made by Daniel Berset and symbolizing opposition to land mines and cluster bombs in front of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, August 15, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse