NEYMAR hinted he might quit international football, saying he could not “100%” guarantee he would play for Brazil again.
Speaking after his side’s World Cup quarter-final defeat in Qatar, the Paris St Germain superstar suggested he could step away.
“I am not closing any doors on the national team but I am also not guaranteeing 100% that I will return,” said an emotional Neymar, 30.
“I need to think a bit more about this, about what is the right thing for me and for the national team.”
Neymar equalled Pele’s record tally of 77 goals for Brazil with a brilliant strike on Friday but Bruno Petkovic levelled with minutes remaining.
The Brazilian did not take a penalty in the shootout.
Four years ago in Russia, Neymar and Brazil suffered elimination at the same stage at the hands of Belgium.
In 2014 the Selecao were humiliated 7-1 in the semi-finals by Germany without Neymar, who missed the game with an injury.
“It is an awful feeling, I think this is a worse feeling than what happened at the last World Cup,” said Neymar. “It is difficult to find the words to describe this moment.
“We fought and I am proud of my teammates, proud of the character they showed to step up and take penalties.”
Brazil coach Tite confirmed he was stepping down after the match.
“It is a painful defeat but I go in peace,” he said. “It is the end of a cycle.” — AFP
