Santos star Neymar has confirmed his international retirement, declaring he was done playing for the Brazil national team following their World Cup defeat by Norway.
“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood and my life. But now I don’t want it anymore,” Neymar told journalists after Santos defeated Venezuela’s UCV 4-2 in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday.
The former Barcelona forward was included in the World Cup squad almost three years after he last played for the national team, and played only 37 minutes across two matches.
His only goal – a penalty – was not enough to prevent an early exit for Brazil after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the last 16.
Neymar, 34, remains under contract with Santos – fighting to avoid relegation – until the end of the year.
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The Brazil’s record goalscorer scored twice in his first match upon his return, responding to his critics with a tongue-in-cheek goal celebration.
Neymar celebrated with a card-dealing gesture – after facing criticism for taking part in a poker tournament while his team-mates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela.
He started on the bench on Tuesday for the return game against the same team, as Santos comfortably sealed a spot in the last 16.
