East Rutherford, New Jersey: Celebrated footballer Neymar announced on Sunday that he has retired from Brazil's national team, making the announcement after he and his teammates were knocked out of the World Cup following a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.
“I tried,” Neymar said. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.”
Neymar, 34, played his first game for Brazil on August 9, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the stadium in the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey. Against Norway, he scored from the penalty spot in the closing minutes after coming off the bench.
Because of a nagging right calf injury, Neymar appeared in only two of Brazil's five matches during the tournament. He also featured for 15 minutes against Scotland in the group stage.
Brazil's best player for more than a decade has been hampered by injuries in recent years, limiting his impact. The country is now entering a period of transition, with the next generation set to take over.
“We ask that people have patience with the new generation and support them from the very beginning,” team captain Marquinhos said.
