Neymar says he ‘spent the night crying’ after fearing World Cup KO due to injury
Neymar has revealed he spent the night crying after suffering an injury in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Serbia.
The 30-year-old superstar played a crucial role in Brazil’s dominant 4-1 victory over South Korea on Monday night. He netted the second goal in his first game back after missing two group stage matches with an untimely ankle injury, which had seen him subbed off in the 79th minute and visibly distressed on the bench.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has since admitted he was left devastated over fears his World Cup dream had ended after the ligament problem was confirmed.
READ MORE: Brazil fume at 'executioner' Roy Keane for dancing criticism and urge him to join in
Neymar said after the win over South Korea: "For sure, there was a lot of fear (about the injury). I had been doing very well, a very good season, and to suffer an injury like I did is very hard.
“I spent the night crying a lot, my family knows, but everything worked out. It was worth it, worth the effort. I stayed up to 11 in the morning that day treating with the physiotherapist, and on the other days up to 5-6 in the morning. All the suffering is valid so that we can crown a title.”
Do you think Brazil will win the World Cup? Let us know in the comments section
He added: "When I got injured a thousand things happened: doubts, fears… and I had all the support from my teammates and family. I received good messages, sending good energy. This comforted me a lot.
“I thank those who prayed, sending messages. I can't thank you enough. Now I will do everything for the national team to win, I am here with this mission.”
Neymar’s reintroduction into the side helped propel the Selecao to a convincing last-16 win. They appeared as confident as ever in attack and their free-flowing football was reminiscent of some of Brazil’s historic sides of the 1970s and the turn of the century.
Fittingly, the playmaker’s goal also put him within one of Pele’s record for the national team. His 76th strike in the famous yellow and blue kit was scored with a cheeky penalty run-up that left the opposition goalkeeper bamboozled.
Brazil will need the phenom at his best against 2018 finalists Croatia when they meet in Friday’s quarter-final match-up. They are still in search of a sixth World Cup, with their last triumph coming in 2002.
READ NEXT:
- French media pinpoint 'slow' Harry Maguire as weakness and Kylian Mbappe's 'key' battle
- Meet Portugal's stunning WAGs including Georgina Rodriguez and gorgeous cabaret actress
- Samuel Eto'o 'kicks fan in face' in wild confrontation after Brazil World Cup clash
Source: Read Full Article