Neymar’s Brazil teammates are nonetheless hoping the 29-year-old striker will stay with the nationwide workforce after subsequent yr’s World Cup, regardless of saying the match in Qatar could possibly be his final. Neymar stated in an interview aired this week that he doesn’t know whether or not he shall be in a position “mentally to endure” more international soccer after the 2022 World Cup and that he’s approaching the tournament as if it is his last. His teammates rallied around the Paris Saint-Germain player on Tuesday, saying they understand the pressure Neymar faces as Brazil’s biggest star. “We want him to stay with us for many years,” midfielder Fred stated. “But it’s laborious to speak about another person’s head. Sometimes individuals face an enormous strain. Not solely Neymar, however (Lionel) Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo. We need him right here, he is without doubt one of the finest gamers we’ve ever seen in Brazil.”
Defender Thiago Silva, a detailed pal of Neymar’s, stated at a information convention that the strain on Neymar is unfair when in comparison with different gamers. The striker left the pitch after Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Colombia with out talking to journalists after a sub-par efficiency.
“We neglect a whole lot of what he has performed on the pitch and concentrate on what is just not vital. He places a whole lot of strain on himself,” Silva stated earlier than Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match in opposition to Uruguay on Thursday.
“I hope he doesn’t lose his pleasure, he’s an excellent particular child. When he’s comfortable and doing what he likes he can all the time ship and play in addition to he has all the time performed. It is best for the workforce.”
Silva, who performed his one centesimal match for Brazil in opposition to Colombia, additionally used his Instagram account to spice up his pal’s morale.
“If you ever want somebody to be sturdy for you, know that I’ll all the time be right here! The Silva household loves you,” the defender stated in a publish that included an image of himself hugging Neymar.
Everton striker Richarlison, who’s out with a knee harm, tweeted an image of a banner carried by followers in Manaus, the place Brazil will play on Thursday, that learn: “Neymar, should you performed in heaven I might die to observe you.”
Neymar has had a disappointing begin to the membership season after a failed try to win his first Copa America title with the nationwide workforce in July. The Sele o misplaced the ultimate to Argentina.
The striker missed 17 passes in opposition to Colombia, appeared sluggish on the pitch and infrequently took on defenders throughout the sport in Barranquilla. Local media recommended he needs to be rested within the subsequent worldwide window in November.
Neymar’s earlier two World Cups have been forgettable. In 2014 in Brazil, he injured his again within the quarterfinals in opposition to Colombia and missed the stunning 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany. In 2018 in Russia, he was disappointing within the quarterfinal loss to Belgium.
