Neymar has publicly shared his messages to a number of his Brazil teammates after the World Cup favourites were knocked out at the quarter-final stage.
The PSG star scored a 105th-minute goal to earn the Brazilians extra time against Croatia on Friday, but Bruno Petkovic’s late goal ensured the match went to a penalty shoot-out. Brazil would then lose the penalty shootout after mistakes by Rodrygo and Marquinhos.
After the World Cup ended, Neymar took to Instagram to share the messages he sent to Marquinhos and Rodrygo to comfort them both.
Here is the exchange between Neymar and Marquinhos:
Neymar: “How are you? Around you to tell you that I’m your fan. A penalty won’t change what I think about you. I’m with you forever and you know it. I love you.”
Marquinhos: “What’s up bro? I’m getting better little by little, only time will do it all… And you? How are you? Thanks for the message and thinking of me bro, you’re too amazing and I wanted it all came out, it’s hard to think that the penalty was an obstacle to your dream! But we have to move on, we have to be strong, let time pass and see what football has in store for us.”
Neymar: “You can think like this, let time pass…I know more than anyone that EVERYTHING HAPPENS, a good moment or a bad moment… Stay strong, enjoy the company of your family and never forget that apart from being yours mate, I’m your friend and I.” I want to have you well. I love you and we’re moving on together.”
Marquinhos: “That’s right bro, only we know what we went through to get here, what we went through there these days, that’s why it hurts so much, the weight is big, but the guy in heaven knows what he’s doing, if he gave it to me, because I can support it and continue. You’re amazing, really! I’m your fan, thank you, have a good time too, we’ll need each other in the next battles, we love you so much.”
And the message exchange between Neymar and Rodrygo:
Neymar: “Brother I’m here to tell you that you’re amazing…It’s an honour to be able to be apart of your career, hear you say I’m your idol and watch you become one of the best players in the history of Brazil! The only people that miss penalties are the ones that take them, I already missed a lot in my career and I learned with all of them. But I never gave up, always tried to be better and improve in every way. I like you for free, not for the player but for the good kid you are and heart you have. Stay strong, these critics will make you stronger and you will remember what I told you ‘You will end up getting a cup for Brazil’. I wish you the most success in the world, disconnect [from the world] these days, rest and come back in full force! I’m here for what you need! We’re together.”
Rodrygo: “Thanks my idol, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sorry for anything and for delaying your dream as well, I hope you can continue with us, so we can win together, of course is that’s the best for you!! We stay together and thank you for all the love.”
