Why is Neymar ready to quit Brazil?
Robin Bairner
- 14 Oct 2021 14:57 BST
- 3 min read
Neymar’s revelation that the 2022 World Cup could be his last for Brazil has sparked speculation over his long-term future in the game.
It was thought that the Paris Saint-Germain star was entirely committed to playing for his country and these revelations, which were made during an interview with DAZN that was conducted in April but only broadcast for the first time in early October, have naturally raised questions over his hunger to continue playing.
Neymar, though, has told PSG’s hierarchy that he intends to see out his contract with the club, which expires in 2025 and has the option of one further year.
Why, then, is Neymar ready to retire from Brazil international duty?
Related articles
Will Neymar retire?
Firstly, it is important to underline that Neymar has not confirmed that it is his intention is to retire from international duty. He has simply said that he believes it will be his last World Cup. He has not put a timescale on how long he might have left with Brazil.
“I think it's my last World Cup in 2022," Neymar said.
“I see it as my last because I don't know if I have the strength of mind to deal with football anymore.
“So I'll do everything to turn up well, do everything to win with my country, to realise my greatest dream since I was little. And I hope I can do it.”
Neymar struggling with the spotlight
Neymar has grown weary with the mental strain of playing with Brazil for three main reasons, L’Equipe reports.
Firstly, it is underlined that Neymar drew criticism in his homeland after his performances in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. This is despite scoring six goals and creating three more in just 10 World Cup appearances.
Secondly, he is fed up being at the heart of so much controversy. This relates to his performances on the field, where Neymar feels that he is unfairly targeted because of his desire to dribble and play beautiful football, but also off it. For example, on Monday he took a selfie with a Colombia fan who was in tears. Neymar was criticised for lowering his mask for the photo and stands accused of violating health rules.
At 13, he was already signing autographs at school and responding to interviews after his class
- Finally, he may only be 29, but he has already had a long career in the spotlight.
“At 13, he was already signing autographs at school and responding to interviews after his class,” a friend of Neymar’s at Santos explained to L’Equipe.
In his interview with DAZN, Neymar explained that he wants to “disappear” when his career is over.
Neymar may appear to be a player who loves being in the public eye, but the reality is different for the PSG attacker, and this strain is the primary reason he believes he will cut his career with Brazil short.
