After Brazil’s surprising defeat to Croatia in the Quarter-final stage in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Neymar said Saturday that he was “psychologically destroyed” by Brazil’s elimination and admitted it hurt more than any other loss in his career.
The 30-year-old gave Brazil the lead with a brilliant finish to equal Pele’s record goalscoring haul of 77 goals for the Selecao in Friday’s match that finished 1-1 after extra time.
“I am psychologically destroyed. It is definitely the defeat which has hurt me the most, which left me paralysed for ten minutes after the match, after which I burst into tears without being able to stop,” Neymar said in an Instagram message.
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“It is going to hurt for a very long time, unfortunately,” he added.
After Brazil crashed out, Neymar gave an hint that he might retire from international football, but Pele urged him to “keep inspiring us.”
Pele revealed on Instagram that he hoped Neymar would carry on playing, adding that goalscoring achievements were no match for the honour of representing Brazil.
“You know, as I do, that no number is greater than the joy of representing our country,” Pele wrote.
“I’m 82 years old, and after all this time, I hope I’ve inspired you in some way to get this far…. Your legacy is far from over.
“Keep inspiring us. I will continue punching the air with happiness with every goal you score, as I have done in every game I’ve seen you on the pitch.”
The 82-year-old, who was hospitalised earlier this month during treatment for colon cancer, congratulated Neymar for equalling his goalscoring record.
“I learned that the more time passes, the more our legacy grows,” Pele wrote.
“My record was set almost 50 years ago, and no one has been able to get close to it until now. You made it, my boy. That adds to the greatness of your achievement.”
