Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar Jr., has strongly hinted that he has retired from international football following the Selecao’s disappointing FIFA World Cup exit.
The 34-year-old addressed his future with the national team after Santos defeated Venezuela’s Universidad Central 4-2 in the Copa Sudamericana.
Speaking to reporters, Neymar said he believed his time with Brazil had come to an end.
“I think my time with the national team has already passed. I made history there, and I’m very happy about it. I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought and battled for the yellow jersey. But I don’t think I want it anymore,” he said.
His comments came shortly after Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16 on July 5.
Neymar came off the bench and scored a stoppage-time penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil from recording their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Following the match, an emotional Neymar also suggested that he had played his final game for the national team.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over,” he said.
The defeat extended Brazil’s wait for a record sixth World Cup title.
Neymar represented Brazil at four FIFA World Cups and established himself as the country’s leading scorer, registering 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances.
Despite enjoying major success at the club level with Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, his only senior international trophy with Brazil was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
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