‘I cried for five days straight’ – Neymar speaks on World Cup exit’

Brazilian football sensation Neymar opens up about the emotional aftermath of Brazil’s disappointing 2022 World Cup journey, revealing that he cried continuously for five days following their painful exit. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, aged 31, also admits contemplating international retirement after their heart-wrenching quarterfinal loss to Croatia in a penalty shootout.

The game against Croatia saw Neymar score a crucial goal in extra time, seemingly securing victory for Brazil. However, Bruno Petrovic’s incredible strike in the dying minutes forced a shootout, ultimately leading to Croatia’s 4-2 triumph and a spot in the semi-finals.

In an interview with Youtuber Casimiro, Neymar expressed the depths of his despair, describing the defeat as the most painful moment of his illustrious career. He laments that despite his goal, the outcome shattered his dream of World Cup glory, leaving him devastated for days on end.

Reflecting on his World Cup journey, Neymar recalls the disappointments of previous tournaments, including Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014 and their quarterfinal exit against Belgium in 2018. The Brazilian star is determined to put the setbacks behind him and focus on the future, aiming to compete in the 2026 World Cup.

After initially contemplating international retirement, Neymar has had a change of heart. He acknowledges his hunger for success and is now committed to representing his country once again. Determined to overcome the pain and lift the World Cup trophy, he looks ahead to the 2026 qualifiers with renewed determination.

The Brazilian national team is gearing up for their 2026 World Cup campaign, with Fluminense’s Fernando Diniz appointed as the interim head coach by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti is set to join the team in 2024 on a long-term appointment once his contract with the Spanish club expires.

Neymar is currently back in pre-season training with Paris Saint-Germain, under the guidance of his former Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique. The French champions are preparing for a friendly match against Le Havre before embarking on a tour of Japan, where they will face Al Nassr, Cerezo Osaka, and Inter Milan.