Brazilian striker Neymar is reportedly considering retiring at the end of this season, saying he is “living life year in and year out”.
The 34-year-old joined Santos from Saudi side Al Hilal last year and has faced injury problems of late, including a knee problem.
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Despite this, he still hopes to represent the national team at this summer’s World Cup, but his contract is still until the end of 2026.
“I don’t know what will happen from now on, I don’t know what will happen next year,” he told Brazilian channel Caze.
“Maybe come December, I want to retire. I’m living a year-to-year life now.
“We’ll see what my heart decides. It depends on what my heart says later in the year.
“This is a very important year, not only for Santos but also for the Brazilian national team because it is a World Cup year and also for me. I want to play this season 100 percent.”
(AFP/Getty)
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 games and has participated in three World Cups. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not featured for the five-time World Cup winners since 2023 due to a series of injuries.
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In December last year, Neymar’s knee underwent successful surgery by Rodrigo Lasmar, the doctor of the Brazilian national team.
“An arthroscopy was performed to treat medial meniscus damage. The surgery was successful and the athlete is doing well,” Santos said at the time.
Neymar has previously shared the stage with singer Tiaguinho and made a bold promise to the nation in an attempt to inspire Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti to let him return to action.
“We will do everything possible, even the impossible, to bring the World Cup back to Brazil,” declared the striker. “In July, you can hold me accountable. Come on, Ancelotti, help us, okay?”
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When asked about Neymar’s return to the national team, Ancelotti said he must stay fit if he wants to be included in the squad for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Brazil will face Scotland, 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and Haiti in Group C.