World Cup 2022: Neymar says he is “psychologically destroyed” after the defeat of Brazil

Europe 1 with AFP 8:29 p.m., December 10, 2022

Neymar said Saturday "psychologically destroyed" the day after the elimination of Brazil against Croatia in the quarters of the World Cup-2022 (1-1 ap, 4 tab to 2), "surely the defeat that made me the most wrong," the Brazilian superstar posted on Instagram.

"I am psychologically destroyed. It was surely the defeat that hurt me the most, which caused me to be paralyzed for ten minutes after the match, after which I burst into tears without being able to stop . This is going to hurt for a very long time, unfortunately," the Paris SG superstar wrote.

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Neymar's last World Cup?

For Neymar, who had nevertheless given the advantage to Brazil with a magnificent goal in overtime (105th + 1) before the equalizer in extremis from Petkovic (117th), the Seleçao gave everything to qualify, in vain.

"We fought until the end, I'm proud of my partners because there was no shortage of commitment and dedication. This group deserved (to go further), we deserved it, BRAZIL deserved it. .. But it was not God's will,” he continued.

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At 30, the master of play from Brazil cast doubt on his future in the selection on Friday, saying he needed to "think" while the Seleçao will now have to wait for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico to hope to conquer this sixth world champion star, which has eluded him since 2002. Brazil's number 10 said in October 2021 that the World Cup in Qatar would be his last World Cup, because he did not know if he would have "the strength mental to continue playing football".

Pele's message to Neymar

Neymar thanked his supporters on Saturday for the signs of support received after elimination.

"Feeling the affection from everyone on the pitch was worth every sacrifice. Thank you all for your support for our team. Unfortunately it didn't work out... It's going to hurt for a very, very long time," he said. -he writes.

"Ney" received a message from the Brazilian legend Pelé, whom he joined on Friday as the top scorer in the history of the Seleçao (77 goals).

"I saw you grow, I encouraged you every day and finally I can congratulate you for having equaled my number of goals with the Brazilian selection. We both know that it is much more than a number" , wrote the former striker (82) on Instagram, from the hospital where the "King", suffering from colon cancer, was admitted at the end of November.

"Unfortunately, today is not the happiest day for us. But you will always be an inspiration that many wish to emulate. I have learned that the more time passes, the more our legacy grows. My record was set there almost 50 years ago, and no one has been able to approach him until now. You have succeeded, my boy", congratulated the Brazilian football icon, who hopes to see Neymar continue to shine on the pitch. .

"Your legacy is not about to end. Keep inspiring us," Pelé concluded.