Neymar unsure over Brazil future after World Cup elimination

A devastated Neymar was unsure of his future
A devastated Neymar was unsure of his future / Laurence Griffiths/GettyImages
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Neymar has refused to rule out retiring from international duty following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup.

Brazil fell to Croatia on penalties after an entertaining 1-1 draw, with the pre-tournament favourites slumping out in the quarter-final.

Manager Tite has already confirmed his departure from the Selecao and now Neymar has refused to offer any guarantees that he will continue representing his country.

"I am not closing any doors on the national team but I am also not guaranteeing 100% that I will return," Neymar said after the game. "I need to think a bit more about this, about what is the right thing for me and for the national team."

Visibly distraught following the final whistle, Neymar confessed this was his lowest moment in his international career.

"It is an awful feeling. I think this is a worse feeling than what happened at the last World Cup," he said. "It is difficult to find the words to describe this moment.

"We fought and I am proud of my teammates, proud of the character they showed to step up and take penalties."


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It was Neymar's sensational solo goal late in extra time which looked to have fired the Selecao to victory, only for Croatia to score with their first shot on target just a few minutes before the whistle to take the game to penalties, where the European side ultimately came out on top.

With his goal, Neymar tied Pele's record for 77 goals for the Brazil national team, although the Brazilian FA are unlikely to recognise the feat due to a dispute over just how many goals Pele actually scored.