Neymar hints at Brazil retirement after shootout heartbreak

Brazil forward Neymar has hinted he will retire from international duty after the penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.

Neymar, 30, scored a fabulous goal in extra time but with four minutes left of the extra period Bruno Petkovic scored a dramatic equaliser.

That sent the game to penalties and Neymar did not even get to take his spot-kick, as Dominik Livakovic produced more heroics in goal as Croatia made it through to a second World Cup semi-final in a row.

After the game Neymar was distraught on the pitch, and when he eventually spoke to the media he said that this could be his last game for Brazil.

"Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I'm not thinking straight," an emotional Neymar told reporters.

"To say that this is the end would be rushing myself, but I don't guarantee anything either. Let's see what happens going forward."

After the game Neymar was distraught on the pitch, and when he eventually spoke to the media he said that this could be his last game for Brazil.

"Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I'm not thinking straight," an emotional Neymar told reporters.

"To say that this is the end would be rushing myself, but I don't guarantee anything either. Let's see what happens going forward."

"This World Cup was my last one, for me it's time to say that," said Alves.

"But I don't think it will be the same for Neymar. He's great, Brazilian football needs him to keep going."

Source: Eurosport