Neymar cries in locker room after Brazil return

Neymar Jr. returned to the Brazilian national team with an emotional performance, playing 20 minutes in their 3-0 win against Scotland. The victory secured Brazil's top spot in their World Cup qualifying group.

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I went to the locker room, alone, and shed a few tears. It's an immense relief to live this again. It's a moment of gratitude. I thank God that I can live this experience again.

Introduced in the 78th minute, Neymar touched the ball 24 times, marking his 129th appearance for the Selecao. This return came after a 981-day absence due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury sustained in October 2023.

After the match, Neymar revealed his emotional state to reporters. "I went to the locker room, alone, and shed a few tears," he said. "It's an immense relief to live this again. It's a moment of gratitude. I thank God that I can live this experience again."

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We play as a team now. Not everything is perfect, but we have improved our level very quickly, and it is important before we tackle the knockout matches. We played a solid game. We made fewer mistakes than in previous matches and were more effective in attack.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Neymar's dedication, stating he prepared "very well, very seriously" for his return. Ancelotti also commended Vinicius Junior for his brace and young player Rayan for his maturity. The team's solid performance, with fewer mistakes and greater efficiency, was highlighted as key to their advancement into the knockout stages.

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He prepared very well, very seriously.