Neymar Doubles Down On Brazil Retirement, Says International Career Is 'Over'
Neymar announced his retirement from Brazil following their World Cup exit, and he has now doubled down on that decision. Neymar has confirmed his retirement
Neymar announced his retirement from Brazil following their World Cup exit, and he has now doubled down on that decision. Neymar has confirmed his retirement from the Brazil national team, saying he "doesn't want to [play for them] anymore". He announced his original decision following Brazil's World Cup exit, as they were beaten 2-1 by Norway in the round of 16. Neymar came on as a substitute in that game and did score from the spot in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time, marking his last involvement for the Selecao. He became only the second Brazil player to score at four different World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026) after Pele. And he retires as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, having netted 80 goals, while only Cafu (142) made more appearances for the nation than Neymar (130). Having announced straight after their last-16 exit that his international career was "over", Neymar then reiterated that decision, having had more time to sit with it. "My time with the national team is over," Neymar stated when questioned about his future following Santos' 4-2 victory over Universidad Central. "I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don't want to anymore." "My time with the national team is over," Neymar explicitly stated when questioned about his future following Santos' 4-2 victory over Universidad Central.
"I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life, I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don't want to anymore," he added. Also Read - ‘Welcome home’: Kylian Mbappe embraces Zinedine Zidane appointment as new era begins in French football He came under renewed scrutiny this week after taking part in a poker tournament while his teammates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela. Neymar responded by celebrating his opening goal with a card-dealing gesture before using a corner flag to mimic a golf swing. Neymar had been in tears following the final whistle against Norway after ending his 16-year career with Brazil. He now turns his focus to representing his boyhood club Santos in Serie A, though reports this week suggest he is not set to renew his current contract, which is due to run out in December (Getty Images)Neymar announced his retirement from Brazil following their World Cup exit, and he has now doubled down on that decision. Neymar has confirmed his retirement from the Brazil national team, saying he "doesn't want to [play for them] anymore". He announced his original decision following Brazil's World Cup exit, as they were beaten 2-1 by Norway in the round of 16.
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