Brazil’s record scorer Neymar said he had to endure “nonsense” criticism as he worked his way back from serious injuries and is ​satisfied he has done all he can to prove he ‌is fully fit and deserves a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.

The Santos forward has not played for his country since 2023 due to injuries ​and a knee operation that sidelined him for a year. ​Brazil coach Ancelotti has said Neymar has to be fully ⁠fit and playing well to be in contention for a World ​Cup spot.

“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” Neymar ​told reporters after Santos’ 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday.

“I’ve done my absolute best it wasn’t easy. I’ll admit it wasn’t easy.

“It’s been years of hard work, ​and also of a lot of nonsense being said about my ​condition and what I was doing. It’s really sad the way people talk about ‌it.

“I ⁠worked hard, quietly, at home, suffering because of what people were saying, and it all worked out.

“I’ve made it to where I wanted to be in one piece. I’m happy with my performance, with ​everything I’ve done ​so far… Whatever ⁠happens, Ancelotti will certainly call up the 26 best players for this battle.”During Sunday’s match, Neymar was ​involved in a furious protest after being wrongly substituted. The ​mix-up could ⁠not have come at a worse time for the 34-year-old, with Ancelotti set to announce his World Cup squad on Monday.

Brazil, looking to win ⁠a ​record-extending sixth World Cup title, will face ​Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C of the June 11 to July 19 tournament ​in North America.

–Reuters–