BRAZIL star Neymar has claimed he could have been left in a wheelchair by the challenge that wrecked his World Cup but insists he holds no grudge against Juan Zuniga.
Neymar has claimed he could have been left in a wheelchair after being injured at the World Cup[REUTERS]Neymar missed that semi-final humiliation after breaking a vertebrae in his back when Zuniga committed a raised-knee ‘tackle’ during the end of Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final success over Colombia.
Speaking for the first time about the flashpoint, a visibly upset Neymar said: “I don’t accept that kind of challenge. I cannot say whether it was intentional but everyone knows it wasn’t normal.
The way he came in, behind my back, I couldn’t defend myself. I could be in a wheelchair now if it was 2cm lower
“The way he came in, behind my back, I couldn’t defend myself. I could be in a wheelchair now if it was 2cm lower. I forgive Zuniga. He even called me the next day to say sorry. I wish him all the best. I don’t hold grudges.”
Barcelona star Neymar, who is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, also looked to distance himself from comments by his agent Wagner Ribeiro after he criticised Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for being “old, arrogant and ridiculous.”
He said: “I don’t agree and I don’t accept what he said about Felipao.”
Neymar writhes in pain after being fouled by Colombia's Juan Zuniga [GETTY]Scolari described the defeat by Germany as the “worst moment of my life” and must now try to lift his squad for tomorrow’s third place play-off against Holland.
Neymar was forced to watch the ordeal but said: “At 6-0, 7-0 down, they could have given up. But they kept running, kept trying. I’m proud of every one of them.
“I’m not ashamed to be Brazilian. I’m not ashamed to be part of this team. I’m proud of my team-mates.”
No comments:
Post a Comment