Neymar says goodbye as Brazil's greatest modern star ends international career after Norway loss

Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 eliminated the five-time champions from the tournament.

“I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life stadium and I finished here. It is now over,” Neymar told journalists after the match on Sunday.

He slumped to the ground in tears following the final whistle at the sports venue in New Jersey before being consoled by teammates.

The 34-year-old scored Brazil's lone goal from the penalty spot in the 10th minute of stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent elimination as Norway reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Neymar retires as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 international goals in 130 appearances. He made his senior international debut in 2010 after beginning his professional career with Santos FC in 2009 and won an Olympic gold medal with Brazil in 2016.

End of an era

Neymar played his first game for Brazil on August 9, 2010 — a friendly against the US at the stadium in the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey.

Because of a nagging right calf injury, Neymar appeared in only two of Brazil's five games in the tournament. He also was on the field for 15 minutes against Scotland in group play.

Brazil’s best player for more than a decade had been slowed by injuries in recent years, limiting his impact. The country is now entering a period of transition, with the next generation taking over.

“We ask that people will have the patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go,” captain Marquinhos said.

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Source: TRT