Neymar announces retirement from international football

Neymar confirmed his retirement from international football, announcing with tears that he had ended his career with the Brazilian national team following their exit from the round of 16 of the North American World Cup at the hands of Norway.

Speaking to journalists after his club Santos beat Venezuela’s Universidad Central 4-2 in the Copa Sudamericana last Tuesday, Neymar said: “My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, and I gave my blood and my life... but now I no longer want it.”

Brazil’s all-time top scorer joined the World Cup squad about three years after his last appearance for the national team, playing just 37 minutes across two matches.

His only goal, a penalty, was not enough to prevent Brazil’s early exit after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16, and he announced tearfully, “It ends here.”

The 34-year-old Neymar remains under contract until the end of the year with Santos, who are fighting to avoid relegation.

He scored two goals in his first match back, responding to his critics with a mocking celebration after netting.

The former Barcelona star celebrated with a gesture mimicking the dealing of playing cards after facing criticism for participating in a poker tournament while his teammates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela.