Brazil's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2022 has "psychologically destroyed" Neymar, the 30-year-old striker admitted, after Brazil lost to Croatia in the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout.
Calling it the worst defeat of his career, Neymar wrote in an Instagram post: "I am psychologically destroyed. It is definitely the defeat which has hurt me the most, which left me paralysed for ten minutes after the match, after which I burst into tears without being able to stop."
Neymar's strike against Croatia brought him level with the legendary Pele at 77 goals for Brazil, but Croatia scored a late equaliser and it remained 1-1 after extra time as well. Brazil lost the penalty shootout 4-2, with Neymar not getting to take a spot kick.
"It is going to hurt for a very long time, unfortunately," Neymar added in the Instagram message.
Neymar, however, shocked his fans soon after Brazil's defeat by saying that he can't give 100 percent guarantee that he will be seen in the national jersey again.
But he was later motivated by the legendary Pele, who wrote a message for Neymar from the hospital, where the 82-year-old is being treated for a respiratory infection amid his battle with colon cancer.
"You know, as I do, that no number is greater than the joy of representing our country," Pele wrote on Instagram.
"My record was set almost 50 years ago, and no one has been able to get close to it until now. You made it, my boy. That adds to the greatness of your achievement.
"I'm 82 years old, and after all this time, I hope I've inspired you in some way to get this far.... Your legacy is far from over. Keep inspiring us. I will continue punching the air with happiness with every goal you score, as I have done in every game I've seen you on the pitch," Pele added.
