Neymar Admits To Exaggerated Reactions During World Cup, Apologizes To Fans

Neymar Jnr, PSG, Brazil player

Ridiculed for faking his pain during the 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, Brazilian forward Neymar has admitted to “exaggerated” reactions saying he is “still learning to deal with frustration”.

In a 90-second video made for his sponsors Gillette and published on social media accounts and Brazilian television, Neymar sought to win back fans who criticized his behaviour.

“Studs on my calf, knee in my back, stamp on my foot,” he said.

“You may think I exaggerate and, sometimes, I really do exaggerate. But the fact is that I suffer on the field.

“There’s still a child inside me. Sometimes he enchants the world and sometimes he irritates the world.”

Neymar had hoped the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup wouldlift him to a similar status currently enjoyed by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have shared the FIFA World Player of the Year award over the last decade.

Instead, Neymar lost out at the quarter-finals stage when Brazil lost to Belgium, as fans focused less on his football and more on the dives, rolls and tears he produced.

Neymar had a serious foot injury in February and returned to play just some days before the World Cup began.

“When I seem rude, it’s not because I am a spoilt child, it’s because I haven’t learnt to deal with frustration,” he said in a voiceover to the black-and-white video.

“It’s taken me time to accept your criticism, it’s taken me time to look into the mirror and transform myself into a new man.

“But I am here, with a new face and an open heart. I fell down but only those that fell down can get up.

“You can keep throwing stones or throw those stones away and help me stand. When I stand on my own two feet, all of Brazil stands with me.”