NEYMAR ADMITS NOT IN BEST SHAPE AHEAD OF RUSSIA WORLD CUP
Brazilian striker still feels discomfort in right foot
RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar admitted he is not 100% in shape after a week’s training with Brazil in their World Cup preparations.
The striker said he still feels discomfort in his recovering right foot but believes he will be better for the tournament in Russia, which begins on June 14.
“Physically I am well, my foot is fine. I am adapting in a few things. I still feel some discomfort, but it is not something that will trouble me,” the 26-year-old Neymar told journalists at Brazil’s football confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
Asked how well he was feeling now, Neymar answered: “Not 100% yet. But that comes with time. It is normal that I have this fear of making complete movements. Let’s take it easy, there are still many days until the (World Cup) opener and I will be 100% then.”
Neymar has not played a match since February but hopes to be on the pitch again in Brazil’s friendly against Croatia on June 3 in Liverpool.
“I am ready to play, there is nothing that can stop me,” he said.
“What I feel today is this fear because I am coming back now.”
The Brazilian was forced to leave the 2014 World Cup with a vertebral fracture in the 2-1 win against Colombia in the quarter-finals.
“I hope that dream is not interrupted once more and that it is consolidated with a title for us,” Neymar said.
During the week in the Granja Comary training camp in Teresopolis, outside Rio, Neymar continued his recovery – dribbling
and passing at high speed. Members of Brazil’s coaching staff have tried to reduce pressure on the star by saying it would take time until he delivered his best performances.
Brazil’s 20-man squad flew off to London on Sunday to continue their World Cup preparations.
Neymar also dismissed rumours he could leave Paris St Germain.
Asked about rumours linking him to Real Madrid, he answered: “My focus is Brazil, people are saying nonsense and that is not worth answering.”
Champions League winners Casemiro and Marcelo of Real Madrid and runner-up Roberto Firmino of Liverpool will join the group tomorrow.
Brazil’s football confederation spokesman Vinicius Rodrigues said coach Tite decided to give the three players more time to rest before they join the squad.
The Brazilian squad are set to head straight to Tottenham’s training ground in the north of the city. The team will set up camp there until June 8. — AP