Neymar admits not being 100 percent fit ahead of World Cup
RIO DE JANEIRO — Neymar admitted on Sunday he is not 100 percent 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 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 percent 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 percent 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.”
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 to London on Sunday to continue their World Cup preparations.
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 Neymar