Neymar speaks out after being ruled out of World Cup group stage

Forum 1 year ago

Neymar speaks out after being ruled out of World Cup group stage

Neymar has vowed to return for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup after an ankle injury ruled him out of the remaining group stage fixtures.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward was forced off towards the end of his country's opening round victory over Serbia and was seen in tears on the bench as he nursed a visibly swollen ankle.

Reports later revealed that Neymar would not be able to return for the remainder of the group games, missing crucial matches against Switzerland and Cameroon and forcing the Selecao to strive for qualification without him.

Taking to Instagram after the news of his injury was made public, Neymar wrote: "The pride and love I feel for wearing this shirt cannot be explained. If God gave me the chance to choose a country to be born in, it would be BRAZIL.

"Nothing in my life was given to me or easy, I always had to chase my dreams and my goals. Never wishing evil on anyone, but helping those in need.

"Today has been one of the hardest moments of my career... and again at a World Cup. I have an injury, yes, it's boring, it's going to hurt but I'm sure I'll have the chance to come back because I will do my best to help my country, my teammates and myself.

"Wait such a long time for the enemy to knock me down like this? NEVER! I am a CHILD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE GOD and my FAITH is endless."

Teammate Raphinha showed his support for Neymar after the news broke in his own social media post, in which he claimed Brazil fans had been praying for the PSG man to get injured.

“The Argentina fans treat [Lionel] Messi like a god," he wrote. "The Portugal fans treat CR7 [Cristiano Ronaldo] like a king. Brazil fans encourage Ney to break his leg. The biggest mistake in Ney’s career is being born in Brazil, this country does not deserve his talent.”