Brazil icon Neymar has left the door open to a possible early retirement from international football in the wake of A Seleçao crashing out of the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup at the hands of “cardiac kids” Croatia in a 4-2 penalty shootout loss.
Neymar had put Tite’s men ahead in the 106th minute with a fantastic team goal only to be canceled out by Bruno Petković in the dying minutes of extra time before Croatia once again was the best side from 12-yards out, condemning Brazil to be knocked out of the World Cup by European competition for the fifth consecutive tournament.
In the aftermath of heartbreak, the Paris Saint-Germain forward – whose goal drew him level Pelé as the joint-all-time leading goalscorer for the South American giants – has refused to rule out hanging up his boots early from the international game.
“A cabeça ainda está quente, não estou raciocinando direito. Falar que é o fim, eu estaria me precipitando. Mas também não garanto nada”
Neymar deixa futuro em aberto sobre Copa do Mundo #geacopa pic.twitter.com/L7Ng2K3YSV
— ge (@geglobo) December 9, 2022
“My head is still hot, I’m not thinking straight. To say it’s the end, I’d be rushing myself. But I don’t guarantee anything either.”
Goal Brazil’s Raisa Simplicio also confirmed the story, which would no doubt come as a huge shock given his guaranteed chance to surpass Pelé for sole possession of the national team goal record and with plenty of time left to achieve that feat.
More to come as this story develops.
Read below for more from the 2022 World Cup
Tite steps down from post after Brazil’s World Cup exit
Gareth Southgate responds to claims of Ben White fallout in England camp
