Neymar’s incredible revelation: I’ve thought about quitting football

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2021 20:20 BST
• 2 min read

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has admitted that he has considered retiring from the game.

Brazil international striker Neymar is the game’s most expensive player in history, having moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for £198 million in 2017.

Additionally, he is revered in his homeland and is one of the most recognisable figures on the globe.

Nevertheless, he has questioned his future in the game at times.

“I will never lose the passion for football, but I have had moments that I did want to stop playing,” he told Gaffer magazine.

“Once, I reached a point of asking myself why I should keep playing if they do not like it. I used to go home hot-headed and then remembered everything I’ve done to get me here. The love I have for football and all those things just calmed me down and brought me back to reality.

“Because, I’m very lucky. Truly. I have achieved a lot of things in my career that made me and my family incredibly happy.

“Just debuting for Santos FC, winning the first title with Santos, winning the Libertadores Cup was super important as well. Joining Barcelona was a dream of mine since I was a kid, winning the Champions League, my arrival in Paris. These moments will always remain special to me.”

‘I’m thankful to represent PSG and Brazil’ – Neymar

Meanwhile, he says he embraces the challenges that his life brings – and that he is proud to represent PSG and Brazil.

“No, no pressure, I have never felt pressure,” he says. “Quite the contrary, I am a person who can easily manage pressure; being the No.10 of Brazil’s national team, the No.10 at PSG and just being Neymar.

“I think I take it well but at the same time I know my commitment and I’m incredibly thankful to be representing teams such as PSG and Brazil. I know that when I play I have to do it differently, I have to give it 100% because that’s what everyone expects.”

Neymar’s future in Paris is not secure, however. With a deal that expires in 2022, he could leave in the summer unless a fresh contract as signed. Barcelona and Real Madrid are linked with him.