DPA
Berlin
Neymar is struggling to accept he has become yesterday’s man at the Qatar World Cup, saying Brazil’s exit has left him "psychologically destroyed”.
Defeat on penalties to Croatia on Friday meant Brazil’s campaign was over, with the pre-tournament favourites falling to the shock finalists from four years ago.
This may have been Neymar’s final World Cup, and he was reluctant to commit to playing on for his country in the immediate aftermath of the game.
His dazzling goal gave Brazil the lead in extra time, but a late equalizer from Bruno Petkovic took the quarter-final to spot-kicks, and it was Zlatko Dalic’s side who got the better of Tite’s men.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Neymar wrote: "I’m psychologically destroyed. This was certainly the defeat that hurt me the most, which left me paralysed for 10 minutes and right after I couldn’t stop crying. It’s gonna hurt for a long time, unfortunately.” Neymar’s strike meant the Paris Saint-Germain forward equalled Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil, but that was no consolation. He came to win a World Cup and may now never get his hands on that trophy.
"We fought until the end,” Neymar added. "That’s what I’m proud of my team-mates for, because there was no lack of commitment and dedication. This group deserved it, we deserved it, BRAZIL deserved it...Thank you all for your support to our national team. Unfortunately it didn’t work out.” Pele sent Neymar an impassioned and long message after the game, with the Brazil great attempting to rally the current generation while he is in hospital.
The 82-year-old again reacted on Saturday to Neymar’s latest message, telling him to "continue being an inspiration.” Brazil have not reached a World Cup final since their 2002 triumph gave the Selecao a record fifth title.
Dani Alves thanks Tite
Dani Alves has thanked outgoing Brazil coach Tite following the Selecao’s shock World Cup elimination, declaring: "There are some medals you don’t wear on your chest, but on your soul.”
The five-time winners succumbed to a surprise quarter-final exit on Friday, losing 4-2 to Croatia in a penalty shoot-out after Bruno Petkovic cancelled out Neymar’s opening goal late in extra time.