When you are on the cover page of Brazilian soccer, you have a lot of responsibility. Since the last of the golden generation of Brazil like Ronaldinho and Kaka retired, Brazil has been looking up to Neymar. Even though he has scored goals, the team did not have the fortune to win a major tournament with him. But after Brazil drew the last match, Neymar was called out by a journalist recently for his casual approach.
Repeated injuries during important tournaments did not add to his ambitions, either. But the soccer star will feel he could have done better. Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002. Apart from winning the Copa America in 2019, their fans could not see the yesteryear’s magic justifying their frustration.
Neymar is not very serious, feels a journalist
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The crowd brought Neymar under fire for Brazil’s draw against Venezuela on Saturday. The Canarinhos were clear favorites going into the game but came out with a 1-1 draw, clearly disappointing the fans. One journalist came out blazing through an article on UOL, calling Neymar to have an indifferent attitude.
Milly Lacombe wrote, “Neymar has a disinterested attitude. He hasn’t shown much commitment to his work for years.” The opinion came after observing Neymar in yesterday’s match. Neymar, one of their most experienced players, was held responsible, along with a few other players. Even though he made the only assist, the fans did not spare him after the game. According to the writer, the problem is his lack of interest in learning and putting in the needed effort.
He did not show the required commitment for years, felt Milly. Neymar missed the 2014 World Cup semifinal due to an injury which saw the team lose 7-1 to Germany. Apart from his international stint, Neymar also had a few issues in club soccer, including his recent knee injury in February. The absence and disappointments of his national team definitely got to his country’s fans.
Is Neymar an entitled player?
Neymar is now playing for Al Hilal with a two-year contract worth 430 million dollars. Earlier, he went to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a record deal of $242 million. Milly also called the 31-year-old, a privileged player who keeps getting offers based on his past reputation and not his work.
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The journalist said, “Like an absolutely successful capitalist enterprise, he can afford to carry on pretending to be who he once was. He lives off collective memory and has those who pay, and pay well, for this image.” The Brazilian had a good time in Barcelona, winning a treble and a nomination for the top three in the Ballon d’Or. However, he left Barcelona because of not want to be under the shadow of Lionel Messi.
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After breaking Pele’s record, Neymar’s celebration with the fans did not last long. Even though it may be a temporary mood switch for the supporters, there may be a slight psychological impact. The journalist also concluded that Neymar should change his attitude to leave on a high note. The player should look to change as a person and think about the team more than himself, opined Milly.