World Cup: Neymar ‘psychologically destroyed’ by Brazil’s exit
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Brazil forward Neymar (right) is consoled by teammate Raphinha after the Selecao bowed out of the World Cup on Friday.
PHOTO: AFP
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DOHA - Neymar said he was “psychologically destroyed” by Brazil’s penalty shoot-out defeat by Croatia in the World Cup and admitted it hurt more than any other loss in his career.
The 30-year-old scored a superb individual effort to equal Pele’s record haul of 77 goals for the Selecao in Friday’s quarter-final that finished 1-1 after extra time.
But he never got to take a spot-kick in the shoot-out that Croatia won 4-2 to move into the semi-finals
Pre-tournament favourites Brazil must now wait at least another four years to win their sixth World Cup – their last dates back to 2002.
“I am psychologically destroyed. It is definitely the defeat which has hurt me the most, which left me paralysed for 10 minutes after the match, after which I burst into tears without being able to stop,” Neymar said in an Instagram message on Saturday.
“It is going to hurt for a very long time, unfortunately.”
Neymar said immediately that he might have played his last match for his country
The 82-year-old icon said on Instagram he hoped the superstar forward would carry on playing, adding that goal-scoring achievements were no match for the honour of representing Brazil.
“You know, as I do, that no number is greater than the joy of representing our country,” Pele wrote.
“I’m 82 years old, and after all this time, I hope I’ve inspired you in some way to get this far.... Your legacy is far from over.
“Keep inspiring us. I will continue punching the air with happiness with every goal you score, as I have done in every game I’ve seen you on the pitch.”
Pele, who was hospitalised earlier in December during treatment for colon cancer, congratulated Neymar for equalling his goal-scoring record.
“I learnt that the more time passes, the more our legacy grows,” he wrote.
“My record was set almost 50 years ago, and no one has been able to get close to it until now. You made it, my boy.
“That adds to the greatness of your achievement.” AFP
