Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar has declared himself fully fit for this summer's World Cup and dismissed what he calls 'nonsense' criticism during his long recovery from injury.
The 34-year-old Santos forward has not played for Brazil since 2023, sidelined by a serious knee operation. Manager Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar needed to be at peak form to make the squad.
'Physically, I feel great,' Neymar told reporters after Santos' 3-0 loss to Coritiba. 'I've done my absolute best. It's been years of hard work and a lot of nonsense said about my condition. Whatever happens, Ancelotti will call up the 26 best players for this battle.'
Brazil, seeking a record-extending sixth World Cup crown, faces Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America.