Neymar Drops International Retirement Threat After World Cup Defeat from Croatia
Neymar had threatened a retirement from international football after Brazil’s heartbreaking defeat to Croatia in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup earlier, which crushed their dreams of Neymar hoisting the Cup.
Brazil were the global fan favourites to win the Cup in this edition of the global showpiece in Qatar, but they were kicked out by Luka Modric-led Croatia after a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The Brazilian coach, Tite, had resigned from his position of leading the Brazilians within hours of their defeat. Defender Thiago Silva has also announced his retirement, that he won’t be seen in Brazilian colours after the depressing defeat in Qatar.
Now it is Neymar’s turn to make the fans ugly-cry and shatter the hopes of millions of fans of seeing him play further for the South American giants.
Neymar has said: “I want to take time to think about the national team and think about what I want for myself.’
“I am not closing the door on the national team, but I am not saying 100 per cent either that I will come back.’
“I feel really bad at this moment. It is hard to take in everything that has gone on.’
“It seems like a nightmare. I just can’t believe what has happened.’
“I will now have to take comfort from my family – but this defeat will hurt for a long time.”
Silva also admitted earlier that his time is up as a player wearing a Brazilian jersey after having a 113-cap career for Brazil, which has stretched over 14 years.
“Unfortunately, I will now never lift the World Cup as a player,” said Thiago Silva.
“Who knows, maybe I will get another chance to lift it in another role in the future.”
It is reported that players of the Brazilian team had locked themselves in the dressing room for two hours after the defeat.
The five-time World Champions have extended their wait to 24 years for hoisting the FIFA World Cup again, their longest-ever waiting period for the much-desired trophy.
Neymar went on further to defend the Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo:
“Rodrygo is a young boy. I told him and the rest of the team that the responsibility is mine because I’m one of the oldest.”
“Rodrygo is a playmaker, so he wanted to take a penalty – but only those who step up to take a shot can miss.”
“Not only him, all of us are going to learn from this.”
“There is no one culprit. We win together, and we lose together.”
“In the dressing room, we spoke about the things we should learn from this experience.”
“We’ve made a lot of friends here. I am glad to have been part of this group.”
“I am proud of every player. Unfortunately, we didn’t crown this squad with a victory, but it happens.”
“We are in mourning in this moment of sadness.”
