Neymar Announces Retirement from Brazil National Team After World Cup Exit

New Jersey. Neymar has said he will no longer play for the Brazil national team. He announced his retirement after being eliminated from the tournament following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the last 16 match of the World Cup.

Neymar said after Sunday's match, 'I tried. It started at this MetLife Stadium and I ended it here. It's over now.' The 34-year-old Neymar played his first match for Brazil on August 10, 2010. He debuted in a friendly match against the United States at this stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer. Interestingly, he set this record for the country, surpassing football legend Pele. In the match against Norway, he came on as a substitute and scored a penalty in the final moments. He cried on the field as soon as the final whistle blew, and his teammates had to console him.

Neymar participated in only two of Brazil's five matches in this tournament due to a calf injury in his right leg. He was also on the field for only 15 minutes against Scotland in the group stage. He has been Brazil's best player for over a decade, but in recent years, injuries have slowed him down, limiting his impact on the field.

As the new generation takes over, the Brazil team has now entered a transitional phase. Captain Marquinhos said, 'We ask the fans to be patient with the new generation and support them from the beginning.'