Football World Cup: After World Cup exit, Brazil's Neymar retires from national team

Veteran star Neymar has announced his retirement from the Brazilian national team following their elimination from the World Cup. The 34-year-old forward declared his international career over after 130 matches and 80 goals for the Seleção.

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I have tried, I have really tried. Now it is over.

"I have tried, I have really tried. Now it is over," Neymar told TV Globo after Brazil's 1-2 loss to Norway in the round of 16. "I started here, I finished here." This early exit marks Brazil's worst World Cup performance in 36 years, and the five-time champions will have to wait at least another four years to potentially claim their sixth title, which they last won in 2002.

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I started here, I finished here.

Neymar, who now plays for FC Santos in his home country, was not a significant contributor in this tournament. He missed the initial stages due to a calf injury and only made two brief appearances. His inclusion in the squad had already raised eyebrows, though coach Carlo Ancelotti cited his extensive experience. In the match against Norway, he came on as a substitute and scored his 80th international goal from a penalty in stoppage time. He had also scored his first national team goal in East Rutherford in 2010 against the USA.

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For Norway, he was not much of a help.

Neymar's departure leaves a void in the Brazilian squad. He is the country's record goalscorer, surpassing Pelé. His international career began and ended in East Rutherford, mirroring his debut and first goal for the national team against the USA in 2010. Brazil now faces the challenge of rebuilding and preparing for future tournaments without their star player.

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His nomination for the World Cup had already caused a stir.