Brazil’s Neymar has confirmed that he is retiring from international football, saying that he no longer wants to play for Brazil.
His comments came weeks after he first suggested his international career had ended following Brazil’s World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.
The 34-year-old forward, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, passed the remarks after Santos beat Venezuela’s Universidad Central 4-2 in a Copa Sudamericana match on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Neymar said that he believes his time with the national team has 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,” he said.
He added that he had given everything to the role over the years. “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 stated.
His latest comments echoed what he said immediately after Brazil’s 2-1 World Cup defeat to Norway on July 5.
Neymar came on as a substitute in that match and scored a stoppage-time penalty. Speaking to a Brazilian broadcaster afterwards, he suggested his international career was already over. “I tried, I tried. Now it’s over,” he said.
Neymar looked visibly emotional after the defeat, which marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and extended the five-time champions’ wait for a record sixth title.
Neymar played in four World Cups during his international career and built a decorated club career with Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, he won only one senior title with Brazil, the Confederations Cup in 2013.
He finishes his international career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances.
