Brazil great Marta to stay on national team

SAO PAULO » Brazil great Marta will remain on the national soccer team despite growing player discontent after the firing of coach Emily Lima.

The five-time FIFA player of the year said Thursday night she will not follow the actions of teammates Cristiane, Fran and Rosana.

“I will not stop playing for Brazil. Whenever they want me I will be willing to go,” the 31-year-old Orlando Pride player said. “I am very sad, these athletes still have a lot to give. I hope the girls take it back so we can fight like we did all our lives, asking for improvements, pay rises and whatever is needed.”

In an interview with channel SporTV on Thursday after Lima was fired, Marta avoided criticizing the Brazilian soccer confederation (CBF) for appointing Oswaldo Alvarez to succeed Lima and wished him luck. She said the players liked Lima’s philosophy of taking on better teams instead of avoiding them until big competitions.