RIO DE JANEIRO, July 31– Neymar has confirmed his retirement from Brazil’s national team, admitting that he no longer has the hunger for international football.
The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances, said he had no regrets about his 16-year international career. “I think my time with the national team has already passed,” he told reporters. “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.” Neymar had already suggested he had played his last game for his country after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat by Norway in the World Cup round of 16 on July 6.
After the game, he told reporters that he had nothing more to give. “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over.” The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward continues to play for Brazilian club Santos, where his contract is due to expire in December.
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