Brazil’s record scorer Neymar said he had to endure “nonsense” criticism as he worked his way back from serious injuries and is \u200bsatisfied he has done all he can to prove he \u200cis fully fit and deserves a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.<\/p>\n
The Santos forward has not played for his country since 2023 due to injuries \u200band a knee operation that sidelined him for a year. \u200bBrazil coach Ancelotti has said Neymar has to be fully \u2060fit and playing well to be in contention for a World \u200bCup spot.<\/p>\n
“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” Neymar \u200btold reporters after Santos’ 3-0 defeat by Coritiba on Sunday.<\/p>\n
“I’ve done my absolute best it wasn’t easy. I’ll admit it wasn’t easy.<\/p>\n
“It’s been years of hard work, \u200band also of a lot of nonsense being said about my \u200bcondition and what I was doing. It\u2019s really sad the way people talk about \u200cit.<\/p>\n
“I \u2060worked hard, quietly, at home, suffering because of what people were saying, and it all worked out.<\/p>\n
“I’ve made it to where I wanted to be in one piece. I\u2019m happy with my performance, with \u200beverything I\u2019ve done \u200bso far… Whatever \u2060happens, Ancelotti will certainly call up the 26 best players for this battle.”During Sunday’s match, Neymar was \u200binvolved in a furious protest after being wrongly substituted. The \u200bmix-up could \u2060not have come at a worse time for the 34-year-old, with Ancelotti set to announce his World Cup squad on Monday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Brazil, looking to win \u2060a \u200brecord-extending sixth World Cup title, will face \u200bMorocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C of the June 11 to July 19 tournament \u200bin North America.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–Reuters–<\/p>\n
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