I've watched the 6-1 game [against PSG] many times, I saw it live. Neymar has been a huge part of my childhood, he's my idol and I'll always be grateful for what he's given to football. He inspires us all. You pay for a ticket to see him and two or three days after the match you'd watch it again just to see his plays. I want to thank him for everything he's given to football and I hope he can be at the World Cup.
Last week they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that's what matters. That's football. One day you're no good or you're 'retired'; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup.
He got a meniscus injury, the press leaks it before we talk to him, and his head goes blank. It's so much to take in... I go to my son's house. 'So, how are you?' He turns to me and says, 'I can't take it anymore. Let's operate. Dad... I don't even know if it's worth operating. As for me, I've had enough.'
Wind the film back to the end of January. Estêvão, with four brief substitute appearances under his belt, was a promise and a possibility for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Neymar, meanwhile, was a certainty. The one-time boy prince was returning to Santos, where the story started, and his old club was going to give him a platform to round off the narrative with one final attempt at World Cup glory.
Yes, yes, [the question I've heard most so far is] about Neymar, but it's normal because he's a legend of Brazilian football. So, it's normal. I know everyone wants Neymar to get back to his best physical condition. And also, the CBF, the coach, the technical staff of the national team hope that Neymar can return to his best level.
