Neymar was heartbroken as Brazil crashed out of the World Cup after losing on penalty shoot-out to Croatia in their quarter-final clash.
The Paris St Germain striker had scored in extra time, but in the 117th minute Croatia drew level through Bruno Petkovic to send the contest to penalties, and misses from 12 yards by Rodrygo and Marquinhos ultimately cost the five-time world champions a place in the semi-finals.
“It feels like a nightmare, I can’t believe what’s happening. This defeat will hurt for a long time,” Neymar told reporters via Globo.
“I want to thank the Brazilian fans. It’s football, it happens. It’s time to go home, cry and take the loss.
“It’s hard to talk now, I don’t want to say anything without seeing the moves, everything that happened in the game. There is no one to blame, we win together and we lose together.”
Neymar added: “I want to take this time to think about the national team, think about what I want for myself. I’m not closing the doors to the national team, but I’m not saying 100% that I’m going back either”.
“I said a few words (in the dressing room) about this whole cycle, these days we were together. It goes by very quickly, so you have to make the most of it.
“Career of one ends in the national team, of another too, young people arrive. We made a lot of friends here, I’m glad to be part of this group, I’m proud of each one.
“Unfortunately we didn’t crown this group with victory, but it happens. It’s mourning in this moment of sadness, it’s hard to find words to comfort each one.”
Neymar has contributed with 77 goals and 56 assists in 124 international appearances for Brazil across all competitions, but he is yet to win a major international trophy with his country.
