Neymar Says 'No Guarantee' He Will Play For Brazil Again
After Brazil's shock World Cup quarterfinal defeat in Qatar, the Paris Saint-Germain star hinted that he would step down.
Brazil's Neymar intimated on Friday that he would retire from international football, saying he couldn't "100%" promise he'd play for the national team again. After his team's World Cup quarterfinal setback in Qatar, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar hinted that he would retire. "I am not closing any doors on the national team, but I am also not promising that I will return 100 percent," an emotional Neymar, 30, stated. "I need to think about this a little longer, about what is best for me and the national team."
With a brilliant strike on Friday, Neymar equaled Pele's record tally of 77 goals for Brazil, but Bruno Petkovic levelled with minutes remaining.
In the shootout, the Brazilian did not take a penalty. Dominik Livakovic saved Rodrygo's effort, and Marquinhos hit the post, but Croatia scored all four of their attempts to win the shootout 4-2.
Four years ago, in Russia, Neymar and Brazil were eliminated at the same stage by Belgium.
In 2014, the Selecao were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals by Germany, despite the absence of Neymar, who was injured.
"It's a dreadful sensation; I think it's worse than what occurred at the last World Cup," Neymar stated. "It's impossible to put into words how I feel right now."
"We fought, and I am proud of my teammates for having the courage to step up and accept penalties."
Tite, Brazil's coach, announced his resignation following the defeat.
"It's a bitter defeat," he remarked, "but I depart in peace." "A cycle has come to an end."
